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The Journal of the Korean Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology 2001;19(1): 40-44. |
| Radical Radiotherapy for Carcinoma of the Prostate |
| Ha Chung Chun, Myung Za Lee |
| Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Hanyang University College of Medicine. |
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| ABSTRACT |
PURPOSE:
To evaluate effect and tolerance of external beam radiotherapy for carcinoma of the prostate and define the optimal radiotherapeutic regimen.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
We retrospectively analyzed the records of 60 patients with prostate cancer who were treated with external beam radiotherapy with curative intent in our institution between September, 1987 and March, 2000.
Histologic diagnosis was established by transurethral resection or ultrasonography guided biopsy. The major presenting symptoms were a nodule at routine prostatic examination and frequency and urgency of urination, along with dysuria. The median age was 63 years with range of 51 to 87 years. There were 6 patients in Stage A, 20 in Stage B, 26 in Stage C, and 8 in Stage D1. All patients were treated with megavoltage equipment producing 10 MV photons.
The 4 field pelvic brick technique was used to a dose of 45 Gy or 50.4 Gy at 1.8 Gy per day in 5 to 6 weeks, after which a small boost field was delivered 2.0 Gy per day to a total dose of 66 to 70 Gy. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 8 years.
RESULTS:
Actuarial 5-year and 7-year survival rates for Stage A, B, C, and D1 were 100% and 84%, 83% and 72%, 67% and 54%, and 40% and 30%, respectively. The corresponding 5-year and 7-year relapse free survival rates were 84% and 84%, 77% and 67%, 48% and 40%, and 33% and 25%, respectively. Relapse free 5-year survival rates for Stage B were 80%, 80%, and 50% for well, moderately, and poorly differentiated tumors, respectively. These were 64%, 44%, and 33% for Stage C, respectively. The local control rates at 5 years were 84%, 85%, 78%, and 60% for Stage A, B, C, and D1, respectively. Mild to moderate complications were observed in 22% of patients. Severe complications requiring surgical procedures were documented in only 3% of patients.
CONCLUSION:
This study confirms that external beam irradiation is an effective and safe treatment for prostatic cancer, providing long-term local control and good survival with acceptable complications. |
| Key Words:
Prostate cancer, Radiation therapy |
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