The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has issued a statement supporting the use of proton beam therapy to treat prostate cancer as long as patients are enrolled in clinical trials or within prospective registries.
ASTRO said that the collection of treatment and outcomes data in these contexts is essential for developing a consensus on the role of proton therapy for prostate cancer. Such information will help radiation oncologists understand how the effectiveness of proton therapy compares to that of other radiation therapy modalities, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and brachytherapy.
Noting that proton therapy is not a new treatment for prostate cancer, ASTRO pointed out that its use is still evolving and comparative efficacy evidence is still being developed.
ASTRO looks forward to new and innovative research that will more clearly define the role of proton therapy for localized prostate cancer, according to ASTRO Chairman Dr. Michael L. Steinberg.
