Summaries of Must-Read Clinical Literature, Guidelines, and FDA Actions
Proton vs Photon-Based Radiation Therapy for PC
Proton beam therapy is safe and effective compared to standard treatment options for prostate cancer, according to a recent review that compared proton vs photon-based radiation therapy. Researchers performed a review of literature for all proton treatment-related prostate cancer studies and discussed the history of proton beam technology, as well as its role in the treatment of prostate cancer, associated controversies, and cost-effectiveness. They also provided an overview of the ongoing modern large prospective studies aimed to resolve the debate between protons and photons for prostate cancer. Among the highlights, dosimetric studies suggested lower whole-body radiation dose and a theoretically higher relative biological effectiveness in prostate cancer compared with photons; however, no studies demonstrated a clear benefit with protons.
Kamran SC, Light JO, Efstathiou JA. Proton versus photon-based radiation therapy for prostate cancer: Emerging evidence and considerations in the era of value-based cancer care. [Published online ahead of print April 9, 2019]. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. doi:10.1038/s41391-019-0140-7.