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Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Hypofractionated radiation therapy is an effective and convenient treatment option for prostate cancer and offers a significantly shorter treatment duration compared to conventional radiation therapy.

While conventional radiation therapy typically spans 6 to 8 weeks with daily sessions, hypofractionated radiation therapy for prostate cancer is administered over a condensed period of 2 to 5 weeks. This condensed treatment schedule provides convenience and reduces the overall treatment time for patients.1

 

Benefits of Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy:

  1. Effective Treatment: Hypofractionated radiation therapy for prostate cancer delivers a higher dose of radiation per session, which contributes to effective tumor control and eradication.
  2. Reduced Overall Treatment Time: The shorter treatment duration allows patients to complete their radiation therapy sooner, minimizing the impact on daily life and enabling faster recovery.1
  3. Cost-Effective: Hypofractionated radiation therapy for prostate cancer offers potential cost savings compared to conventional radiation therapy, as it requires fewer treatment sessions and visits to the healthcare facility.1
  4. Convenience: The condensed treatment schedule provides greater convenience for patients, reducing the number of visits to the radiation therapy center and allowing for easier planning of daily activities.

 

Radiation Side Effects and the Use of a Rectal Spacer:

While hypofractionated radiation therapy for prostate cancer is considered safe and effective, there are potential side effects associated with radiation. These side effects may include urinary changes, rectal side effects such as bowel changes, and fatigue.

To minimize the risk of rectal side effects, your doctor may recommend the use of a rectal spacer prior to radiation treatment. A rectal spacer is temporarily positioned between the prostate and the rectum to protect the rectum from unwanted radiation exposure, which can help reduce rectal side effects, such as radiation proctitis.

Understanding the different radiation treatment durations for prostate cancer is an important step in your treatment journey. Always consult with your doctor to determine if hypofractionated radiation therapy and the use of a rectal spacer are suitable options for your specific prognosis and needs.

REFERENCES:

  1. Niazi TM, Nabid A, Malagon T et al. Conventional vs. Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for High-Risk Prostate Cancer: 7-Year Outcomes of the Randomized, Non-Inferiority, Phase 3 PCS5 Trial. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2022: e1-e612.