Will SBRT replace conventional radiotherapy in patients with low-intermediate risk prostate cancer? A review

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a novel treatment modality in radiation oncology that delivers a very high dose of radiation to the tumor target with high precision using single or a small number of fractions. SBRT is the result of technological advances in patient/tumor immobilization, image guidance, and treatment planning and delivery. This modality is safe and effective in both early stage primary cancer and oligometastases. Compared to the use of stereotactic radiosurgery for other tumor sites, SBRT is slow to be adopted in the management of genitourinary malignancies. Emerging data show the safety and efficacy of this treatment modality in prostate cancer. Preclinical data, clinical experience, and challenges are reviewed and discussed. © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.