Current Potential of Radical Radiotherapy of Prostate Carcinoma

Overview

Radiotherapy is an effective treatment modality of prostate carcinoma. Considering the limited radiosensitivity of this tumor it is necessary to use relatively high doses of radiation. Modern technology offers the possibility to perform high-dose radiotherapy with acceptable toxicity. The authors present various options of both external and internal irradiation. They point out that brachytherapy, previously considered less appropriate from the radiobiology aspect, is according to the current views and results a very suitable treatment modality of prostate cancer.

Key words:
radical radiotherapy, prostate carcinoma, tumoricidal dose of radiation, teleradiotherapy, brachytherapy, dose-rate.