Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy in the treatment of low and intermediate risk prostate cancer: Is there an optimal dose?

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate if stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) dose is associated with PSA at 3years (PSA_3y) in the treatment of localized prostate cancer and to explore predictors of late genitourinary (GU) toxicity.

Materials and methods: Three prospective trials of SABR were undertaken at our institution: 1) 35Gy/5 fractions/29days; 2) 40Gy/5 fractions/29days; 3) 40Gy/5 fractions/11 or 29days. PSA_3y was analyzed as a continuous variable. Toxicity was defined as the worst new toxicity and assessed using the radiation therapy oncology group (RTOG) late morbidity scheme. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between dose and PSA_3y, and to explore predictors of late grade 2+ GU toxicity.

Results: Median PSA3y was 0.64 (intraquartile range (IQR): 0.41-1.12) and 0.27 (IQR: 0.12-0.55) ng/mL for patients treated with 35 and 40Gy respectively. A dose of 40Gy was an independent predictor of lower PSA_3y on multivariable analysis (p<0.001). Dose of 40Gy (odds ratio (OR): 16.69, 95%CI: 5.78, 48.20, p<0.001) and higher International Prostate Symptom Score (OR: 1.01, 95%CI: 1.04, 1.16, p=0.001) predicted for late grade 2+ GU toxicity on multivariable logistic regression.

Conclusions: This analysis suggests that higher SABR dose is associated with lower PSA_3y. Strategies to allow safe SABR dose escalation should be further investigated.

Keywords: PSA; Prostate cancer; Stereotactic body radiotherapy; Toxicity.