Short-term Observation Of Side Effects Of Hypofractionated Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy For Prostate Cancer

Objective: To preliminarily investigate early and late toxic side effects and efficacy of hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) (70Gy/28/6 weeks) vs. conventional fractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) (78Gy/39 /8 weeks) on the prostate cancer.Methods: A total of 57 patients with prostate cancer were enrolled, of which 27 patients received hypofractionated IMRT and other 30 cases were treated with conventional fractionated IMRT during July 2005 to June 2010. Clinical target volume (CTV) covered the prostate, seminal vesicle and pelvic lymph nodes in 18 patients and the prostate and seminal in 39 cases.Results:1. The acute toxic side effect showed no significant differences between the two groups. In hypofractionated group and conventional group, the occurrence of Grade 1 and 2 acute genitourinary toxic effects is respectively 19% and 21% and the occurrence of acute rectal toxic effect was respectively 18% and 20%. One case with grade 3 acute genitourinary toxicity was observed in hypofractionated group.2. The late toxic side effect showed no significant differences between the two groups. In hypofractionated group and conventional group, the occurrence of Grade 1 and 2 late genitourinary toxic effects is respectively 9% and 11% and the occurrence of late rectal toxic effect was respectively 8% and 10%. Three patients experienced late genitourinary toxicity occurred (2 cases in hypofractionated group and 1 in conventional group) and three had late gastrointestinal toxicity (2 cases in hypofractionated group and 1 in conventional group).3. The 3-year biochemical no evidence of disease (bNED) was 75% in hypofractionated group and 78% in conventional group, respectively ( ? 2=0.151,P=0.697>0.05). Conclusions:1. It is feasible for hypofractionated IMRT for the treatment of prostate cancer with low incidence of early and late genitourinary and rectal toxicity.2. There is no significant difference in short-term efficacy between hypofractionated group and conventional group.