The Use of Particle Therapy in Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Prostate cancer represents the most common nonskin malignancy among males in the United States. There are a variety of treatment options for men with localized prostate cancer including surgery or radiation therapy. While recent advances in prostate cancer screening and treatment have improved prostate cancer outcomes, toxicity mitigation and attention to patient-related quality of life is critical. The employment of particle therapy may help us accomplish these objectives by allowing for increased dose escalation to tumor while lowering integral dose and improving dose distribution to organs at risk. Herein, we explore the use of particle bream radiotherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer and its evidence to date. More prospective data is needed on whether these therapies translate into clinically meaningful improvements in prostate cancer care, both from a quality of life and outcome perspective.