Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for localized prostate cancer has been introduced more slowly at community cancer programs, perhaps due to its cost, according to a study involving more than 274,000 individuals.

Participants were between 40 and 80 years of age, diagnosed with localized prostate cancer between 2004 and 2012, and received radiation therapy as initial treatment. Investigators looked at SBRT prevalence each year and the factors associated with it. Among the results:

• SBRT was used in less than 1% of all patient groups in 2004.

• By 2012, it was used in nearly 9% of low-risk patients treated with radiation therapy at academic centers.

• Acceptance of SBRT was highest in those with low- or intermediate-risk disease.

• Year of diagnosis, type of center, risk group, and race were all significantly linked with SBRT use.

Citation: Baker B, Basak R, Mohiuddin J, Chen R. Use of stereotactic body radiotherapy for prostate cancer in the United States from 2004 through 2012. Cancer. 2016;122(14):2234-2241. doi:10.1002/cncr.30034.