Revolutionizing Prostate Cancer Treatment: The Promise of Stereotactic Radiotherapy

Prostate cancer is a major health concern, affecting one in six Australian men by age 85. Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy emerges as a promising treatment, offering high precision with fewer sessions and comparable efficacy to existing therapies. Advanced equipment and techniques enhance targeting, minimizing damage to healthy organs.

Prostate cancer stands as Australia's most frequently diagnosed cancer, with one in six men confronting a diagnosis by age 85. As cells grow uncontrollably, cancers may invade nearby tissues or spread, a progression referred to as metastases.

While early-stage treatment typically involves localized surgery or radiation, advanced cancer requires systemic therapies like chemotherapy. A new form of radiation treatment, stereotactic ablative radiotherapy, shows promise for both early and advanced cancers by delivering high doses with pinpoint accuracy.

A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that stereotactic radiotherapy, requiring fewer sessions, matches the efficacy of standard treatments. Patients in the study showed a 95% cure rate, comparable to those undergoing traditional surgery. The advanced radiotherapy method is gaining traction at major Australian hospitals, enhancing treatment precision while reducing systemic impact.

(With inputs from agencies.)