Hypofractionated Radiotherapy in Localized, Low–Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer: Current and Future Prospectives
Maria Chiara Lo Greco, Giulia Marletta, Giorgia Marano, Alessandro Fazio, Emanuele Buffettino, Arianna Iudica, Rocco Luca Emanuele Liardo, Roberto Milazzotto, Pietro Valerio Foti, Stefano Palmucci, Antonio Basile, Francesco Marletta, Francesco Cuccia, Giuseppe Ferrera, Silvana Parisi, Antonio Pontoriero, Stefano Pergolizzi, Corrado Spatola
Abstract
At the time of diagnosis, the vast majority of prostate carcinoma patients have a clinically localized form of the disease, with most of them presenting with low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer. In this setting, various curative-intent alternatives are available, including surgery, external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy. Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that moderate hypofractionated radiotherapy can be considered as a valid alternative strategy for localized prostate cancer. High-dose-rate brachytherapy can be administered according to different schedules. Proton beam radiotherapy represents a promising strategy, but further studies are needed to make it more affordable and accessible. At the moment, new technologies such as MRI-guided radiotherapy remain in early stages, but their potential abilities are very promising.