Over the last few years, there have been several clinical studies that have examined stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for the treatment of prostate cancer. Results of these studies have driven leading clinical professional organizations to include SBRT as an appropriate, first-line treatment option for prostate cancer in their recommendations and guidelines.
Below are a few key highlights validating the use of SBRT for treating prostate cancer from world-renowned cancer organizations and researchers.
Prostate Cancer Research Study: Led by radiation oncologist Dr. Alan Katz and one of the largest of its kind, this study published in 2013 evaluated hundreds of prostate cancer patients who were treated with SBRT. The study followed 304 patients for an average of five to six years post-treatment and found that 97 percent of patients with low-risk and 90.7 percent of patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer remained cancer-free throughout that time. The treatment was also shown to be minimally harmful, produced low levels of toxicity and reduced many common side effects. Read more about the study and results here.
ASTRO Model Coverage Policy: The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) published a model coverage policy in 2013 endorsing SBRT for prostate cancer. The policy developed by ASTRO helps insurance companies provide insurance benefits to men for the treatment of prostate cancer.
NCCN Guidelines: In 2014, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) added SBRT as a treatment option for prostate cancer to its annual Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology®. Developed and updated annually by nearly 950 clinical professionals, the guidelines help individuals involved in cancer care, including physicians, nurses, patients and their families, with the decision-making process intended to advance the fight against cancer.
Austin CyberKnife treats prostate cancer with SBRT using highly advanced CyberKnife® technology. To learn more about our treatment method, view our blog post here. For more clinical studies on CyberKnife SBRT for prostate cancer, click here.
This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.