Medical Radiology and Radiation Safety. 2014. Vol. 59. No. 5. P. 55-63

REVIEW

A.R. Iksanova, V.M. Sotnikov, G.A. Panshin

Hypofractionation in Radiation Therapy of Prostate Cancer

Russian Scientific Center of Roentgenoradiology, Moscow, Russia. E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ABSTRACT

Here is an analytical review of fractionation radiotherapy for prostate cancer according to the up-to-date concept of radiobiology properties of cancer in this region. Comparative research of several regimens of hypofractionation for patients at low risk of progression was held, as well as, and a research of combining standard fractionation of the whole pelvic radiation with local hypofraction irradiation of the prostate for patients at high risk of progression.

The hypofractionation method shows an increase in disease-free survival as compared with the standard fractionation, and it also shows reduction in late adverse effects for rectum and bladder. These results demonstrate the high efficiency and safety of the hypofractionation in comparison with standard fractionation, while reducing the timing of radiotherapy. However, the degree of their validity is not high enough for the widespread introduction into clinical practice.

Key words: prostate cancer, radiation therapy, hypofractionation