Radiation to the Pelvis Reduces Relapses in Prostate Cancer

According to an article recently published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, radiation administered to the whole pelvis (whole-pelvic radiation) extends biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS) compared with radiation directed just at the prostate and surrounding tissues among men with early prostate cancer who are at a high risk of developing a recurrence.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in men in the United States. Early prostate cancer refers to cancer that has not spread to distant sites in the body. Depending upon the extent of spread, patient age, aggressiveness of the cancer, and patient wishes, early (localized) prostate cancer may be treated with radiation therapy, watchful waiting (no therapy until disease progression), cryotherapy, surgery, and/or hormone therapy. A priority among healthcare providers is to utilize therapies that provide optimal outcomes with little or no impact on quality of life.

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