Evaluating the Tolerability of a Simultaneous Focal Boost to the Gross Tumor in Prostate SABR: A Toxicity and Quality-of-Life Comparison of Two Prospective Trials

Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2020 May 1;107(1):136-142. doi: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2019.12.044. Epub 2020 Jan 25.

Abstract

Purpose: Dose-escalated stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) to the whole prostate may be associated with better outcomes but has a risk of increased toxicity. An alternative approach is to focally boost the dominant intraprostatic lesion (DIL) seen on magnetic resonance imaging. We report the toxicity and quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes of 2 phase 2 trials of prostate and pelvic SABR, with or without a simultaneous DIL boost.

Methods and materials: The first trial treated patients with high-risk prostate cancer to a dose of 40 Gy to the prostate and 25 Gy to the pelvis in 5 fractions. The second trial treated patients with intermediate-risk and high-risk prostate cancer to a dose of 35 Gy to the prostate, 25 Gy to the pelvis, and a DIL boost up to 50 Gy in 5 fractions. Acute toxicities, late toxicities, and QOL were assessed.

Results: Thirty patients were enrolled in each trial. In the focal boost cohort, the median DIL D90% was 48.3 Gy. There was no significant difference in acute grade ≥2 gastrointestinal or genitourinary toxicity between the 2 trials or in cumulative worst late gastrointestinal or genitourinary toxicity up to 24 months. There was no significant difference in QOL domain scores or minimally clinical important change between the 2 trials.

Conclusions: Prostate and pelvic SABR with a simultaneous DIL boost was feasible. Acute grade ≥2 toxicity, late toxicity, and QOL seemed to be comparable to a cohort that did not receive a focal boost. Further follow-up will be required to assess long-term outcomes, and randomized data are required to confirm these findings.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Radiosurgery / adverse effects*
  • Risk
  • Safety*
  • Time Factors