The combination of immunomodulatory in situ gene therapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with or without hormonal therapy is feasible, safe, and effective in the treatment of prostate cancer, according to a study of 66 patients with prostate cancer, including 33 low-risk patients in arm A and 33 intermediate/high-risk patients in arm B. Researchers found:

• 5-year freedom from failure rates were 94% and 91% for arms A and B, respectively.

• 5-year overall survival rates were 97% and 94% for arms A and B, respectively.

• Negative biopsy rates at 24 months were 83% and 79% for arms A and B, respectively.

• 1 patient in arm B developed grade 3 elevation in liver enzyme.

• There was no grade ≥ 3 hematologic toxicity.

• 1 patient had grade 3 genitourinary toxicity.

• There was no grade ≥ 3 lower gastrointestinal toxicity.

Citation: Teh BS, Ishiyama H, Mai W-Y, Thompson TC, Butler EB. Long-term outcome of a phase II trial using immunomodulatory in situ gene therapy in combination with intensity-modulated radiotherapy with or without hormonal therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer. [Published online ahead of print December 12, 2015]. J Radiat Oncol. doi: 10.1007/s13566-015-0239-y.