Precision is important when it comes to radiation therapy for prostate cancer, aiming to treat the cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. Technological advancements have led to a newer technique called stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), which can deliver highly targeted radiation to tumors from various angles. This method requires only five treatments over two weeks, making it more convenient than previous approaches. Integrating SBRT with real-time imaging scans, a technique known as magnetic resonance–guided daily adaptive SBRT (MRg-A-SBRT), further enhances precision by accounting for tumor movements caused by everyday activities like breathing or digestion.
A new study conducted by Dr. Jonathan Leeman and his team from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston compared MRg-A-SBRT with a similar method called CT-SBRT, which utilizes computed tomography for imaging. The systematic review analyzed 29 clinical trials involving over 2,500 patients. The results showed that patients treated with MRg-A-SBRT experienced fewer side effects compared to those treated with CT-SBRT. Genitourinary side effects ranged from 5% to 33% in MRg-A-SBRT patients, while CT-guided treatments resulted in side effects between 9% and 47%. Similarly, gastrointestinal side effects ranged from 0% to 8% in MRg-A-SBRT patients, compared to 2% to 23% in CT-guided treatments.
The study concluded that the precision offered by MRg-A-SBRT translated into better tolerance of the treatments. Although the exact reasons for the improved tolerance are not yet fully understood, adaptive planning and real-time targeting are believed to be the main factors. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings. Prominent radiation oncologists, Dr. Anthony Zietman and Dr. Nima Aghdam, who are associated with Harvard Medical School, also view this technology as highly promising. Nonetheless, they caution that additional studies, including ongoing clinical trials, are necessary before widespread adoption of the technology can be recommended.
In summary, this breakthrough radiation therapy, MRg-A-SBRT, shows significant potential in reducing side effects during prostate cancer treatment. Its precision and ability to adjust to tumor movements in real-time make it a promising option. However, further research is required before its widespread use can be established.
In summary, this breakthrough radiation therapy, MRg-A-SBRT, shows significant potential in reducing side effects during prostate cancer treatment. Its precision and ability to adjust to tumor movements in real-time make it a promising option. However, further research is required before its widespread use can be established.
