As highly
targeted radiation options become more widely available, many cancer patients
are finding that their treatment involves higher doses delivered over a shorter
period of time. While this can be especially helpful in treating a variety of
cancers while limiting the procedures patients must endure, researchers are
finding that higher dose delivery isn’t always the best path to take. For
low-risk prostate cancer patients, in fact, a new study indicates that higher
dose treatments may not always produce the best results.
The recently released study involved an analysis of 12 other studies that looked into the use of external beam radiation on men who presented with localized prostate cancer. The studies collectively involved nearly 7,000 patients. The analysis showed that men who received higher doses of radiation did not necessarily present with lower rates of cancer spread. They also didn’t have higher survival rates over the long run. Of note was a finding that prostate-specific antigen levels did drop when higher doses of radiation delivered despite the overall findings that higher radiation levels did not necessarily improve long-term outcomes.
While further
research is needed to better understand the role higher dose treatment
may play in low-risk prostate cancers, the initial findings do indicate the
PSA may not be the best gauge for treatment success. The need for checks and
balances following treatment may be present.
Prostate cancer presents in an estimated 180,000
American men each year, according to the American Cancer Society. While the
disease has a very high survival rate, some cases do require aggressive
interventions to treat. All men are technically at risk for this disease as
they age. Early screening is seen as the key to improving outcomes in more
aggressive forms of prostate cancer. All men should discuss prostate cancer and
their personal risks with their healthcare providers. For those who are
diagnosed with the disease, a variety of treatment options do exist.
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