Prostate cancer: Short-course radiation as effective as longer-term treatments 

A study published by Harvard Medical School confirms that short-course radiation therapy can be just as effective as longer treatments. This means there’s now a more convenient option for men who are battling prostate cancer. Southern Maryland Medical Group helps local patients make informed choices about their care. Whether through routine screenings or new treatment options, our experienced doctors are ready to make a difference in the outcome of your health. A healthcare provider can help determine if short-course radiation is the right option for you. Keep reading to find out what this study means and how it might change the way prostate cancer is treated.

Breaking Down the Study 

Researchers wanted to know if a shorter course of radiation therapy would be as effective as traditional treatments. The Harvard study followed 874 men who were diagnosed with localized prostate cancer. All participants had a low or intermediate risk of progression and had not received additional hormonal therapy. They were divided into two groups:

• Short-Course Radiation Group: 433 men received radiation sessions over one or two weeks using stereotactic body radiation therapy to deliver higher doses per session to shorten overall treatment time.
•  Conventional Radiation Control Group: 441 men underwent 20+ sessions over four to 7.5 weeks and followed a traditiona schedule for treatment.

Why Shorter Radiation May Be Just as Effective 

Six years later, researchers found that both groups had similar cancer control rates. Of the SBRT patients, 95.8% were still cancer-free, while traditional radiation patients had a 94.6% rate of remaining cancer-free. With less than a 2% difference, it can be concluded that shorter radiation therapy was just as effective as the longer treatment schedule. There was also no significant increase in recurrence of cancer for those who received the five-session plan of treatment. Men who opted for the shorter course of radiation did not have a higher risk of their cancer returning. This suggests that those diagnosed with localized prostate cancer might have an option to complete their treatment with fewer visits and still achieve the same level of success.

Important Considerations Before Choosing Short-Course Radiation 

Both treatment groups had similar success long-term, but there were some differences in the early side effects. At the two-year mark, 12% of the SBRT patients noticed increased urinary frequency and discomfort compared to 7% of those who had conventional radiation. By the five-year mark, these differences had disappeared, and both groups had similar long-term side effect profiles. Doctors noted that the men with preexisting urinary problems were more likely to have long-term side effects from short-course radiation. So, if you have urinary concerns, it’s important to discuss treatment options with your doctor.

What This Means for Prostate Cancer Treatment 

This research suggests that some men may be able to complete radiation therapy in as little as two weeks rather than four to seven weeks. This is an important development because traditional radiation schedules usually require 20 or more sessions over several weeks, which can be a serious time commitment. If shorter treatment schedules can offer the same success rate, then patients could spend less time in treatment and more time recovering. This is good news for those who want to achieve a better balance for their family and work responsibilities.

Are You Looking for Local Primary Care Doctors or a Healthcare Provider?

Southern Maryland Medical Group provides the highest quality care for local patients. Whether you’re seeking treatment or screening, our team is ready to give you the support you need. Our experienced medical team works closely with specialists to make sure patients receive the most advanced, evidence-based treatments available. Speaking with primary care doctors or a healthcare provider can help you take the appropriate next steps. Schedule a consultation with our team today.