[Radiotherapy for prostate cancer]

Abstract

Depending on tumor-stage and risk-factors, prostate cancer can be treated by Radical Prostatectomy, External Beam Radiotherapy, Brachytherapy, Androgen Ablation or a combination of at least two of them. In clinically localized low-risk cases, the results of radiotherapy and surgery are very similar. Patients with intermediate-risk or high-risk prostate cancer, often not suited for radical prostatectomy, seem to benefit from higher radiation doses and additional Androgen ablation, although questions remain regarding the treatment volume of radiotherapy and the optimal timing and duration of androgen deprivation. Standardised target volume definitions and dose prescriptions for different risk groups and improved patient selection for radiotherapy are required.