Dr. Vargas on Toxicity of SBRT Versus Standard Radiation in Prostate Cancer

Carlos E. Vargas, MD, radiation oncologist, Mayo Clinic, discusses toxicities associated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) compared with standard fractionated radiation therapy in prostate cancer.

The toxicity profiles appear to be similar between the 2 modalities, explains Vargas. Mainly, inflammation resulting from the radiation is the most significant adverse event (AE) noted.

This inflammation can lead to increased urination or bowel movements, increased blood in stool or urine, and pain, says Vargas. Usually, these inflammatory symptoms present during treatment; however, they may also occur 6 months to 1 year after completing radiation.

Most often, these AEs can be mitigated without invasive procedures and typically, patients don’t experience symptoms after 2 years, concludes Vargas.