Toxicity with IMRT versus SBRT for localized prostate cancer

Localized prostate cancer is commonly treated with external beam radotherapy and moderate hypofractionation is non-inferior to longer schedules. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) allows shorter treatment courses without impacting acute toxicity. The multinational phase 3 PACE-B trial compared conventionally fractionated or moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy versus SBRT for localized prostate cancer. At two years, the toxicity rates were similar for five fraction SBRT and conventional schedules of radiotherapy. Prostate SBRT was found to be safe and associated with low rates of side-effects.