Hypofractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer in the postoperative setting: What is the evidence so far?

Abstract

Postoperative external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is a validated treatment option in the adjuvant setting for prostate cancer patients with aggressive pathological features following radical prostatectomy (RP) or as salvage modality in patients with biochemical recurrence after RP. Contemporary randomized phase III trials have provided evidence for using hypofractionation in the definitive treatment setting as an alternative to standard fractionated regimens. Biomathematical modeling for prostate cancer fractionated EBRT associated with widely available refined treatment delivery techniques such as volumetric modulated-arc therapy with image-guided RT may improve the therapeutic ratio. Nevertheless, the role of hypofractionation in the postoperative setting still remains investigational. In this systematic review of the literature we reviewed the role of hypofractionation for postoperative EBRT in the adjuvant or salvage setting in prostate cancer patients previously treated by RP. A favorable acute toxicity profile with, at least, as good biochemical control rates with hypofractionation has been suggested. And yet conflicting results have been reported concerning long-term genitourinary late toxicity. Prospective studies are eagerly awaited to assess the role of hypofractionation in the postoperative setting.

Keywords: Hypofractionated radiotherapy; Postoperative radiotherapy; Prostate cancer.