Radiation therapy remains a staple of localized prostate cancer treatment. Several methods are commonly utilized, including stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), brachytherapy, and proton radiation. When compared to IMRT, claims data reveal proton therapy is associated with lower rates of urinary toxicity (33% v 42% at 2 years; P<.001), including incontinence, irritation/bleeding, obstruction, and stricture. Proton therapy was also associated with lower rates of erectile disfunction (21% v 28% at 2 years; P<.001). However, proton therapy was associated with higher rates of bowel toxicity (20% v 15% at 2 years; P=.02) when compared to IMRT. SBRT and IMRT safety was not significantly differentiated.

What has your experience been with the various radiation therapies for localized prostate cancer? What other factors influence your radiotherapy selection?

_{Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29561693/}

Radiation therapy remains a staple of localized prostate cancer treatment. Several methods are commonly utilized, including stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), brachytherapy, and proton radiation. When compared to IMRT, claims data reveal proton therapy is associated with lower rates of urinary toxicity (33% v 42% at 2 years; P<.001), including incontinence, irritation/bleeding, obstruction, and stricture. Proton therapy was also associated with lower rates of erectile disfunction (21% v 28% at 2 years; P<.001). However, proton therapy was associated with higher rates of bowel toxicity (20% v 15% at 2 years; P=.02) when compared to IMRT. SBRT and IMRT safety was not significantly differentiated.

What has your experience been with the various radiation therapies for localized prostate cancer? What other factors influence your radiotherapy selection?

_{Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29561693/}