Dr. Kinjal Jani, Director and Head – Radiation Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad

In today’s medical innovation world, the science behind healthcare is evolving continuously, and cancer treatment isn’t an exception to it. Prostate cancer—the deadliest disease among millions of men around the globe- now has new ways in terms of treatment. SBRT or Stereotactic body radiation therapy is one of them; this is a revolutionary technique and the best alternative to conventional treatments through radiation. Let us deep dive into this advanced type of treatment and benefits from the disease of prostate cancer.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland essential for male reproduction. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men. Early detection has become more frequent, and advances in treatment offer improved survival rates. Symptoms can include frequent or painful urination and blood in the urine or stool, although many cases remain symptomless in the early stages.

What is Stereotactic Radiation Therapy?

Prostate cancer usually necessitates treatments that balance effectiveness with minimal invasiveness. Stereotactic body radiation therapy, commonly known as SBRT, is an extremely accurate form of radiation treatment intended to deliver a high dose of radiation directly to cancerous tissues with exceptional precision.

This is how it works:

1. Precision Mapping: Advanced imaging captures the prostate gland’s size, shape, and location, identifying the tumor’s precise boundaries.
2. Accuracy Targeting: Advanced technology provides stereotactic radiation beams through multiple angles to ensure a complete treatment of the tumour.
3. Fewer Sessions: This typically takes 5 sessions or less, spread out over 1 to 2 weeks, a significantly shorter treatment time for patients.

This technique helps not only in targeting all the cancer cells but also preserving healthy tissues around the location of the tumor, decreasing the chances of side effects.

Advantages of SBRT in prostate cancer

1.Shorter Treatment Duration: Unlike conventional radiation therapy, which requires up to 40 sessions, SBRT is completed in just a few treatments.

2.Precision Targeting: Advanced technology ensures minimal damage to healthy tissues, reducing the risk of side effects.

3.Outpatient Procedure: Most SBRT treatments are done on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.

4.Effective Outcomes: The success rate of controlling prostate cancer with SBRT is very high, equal to or even better than with traditional methods.

5.Improved Quality of Life: Fewer sessions and less side effect disruption in life.

Who is a Candidate for SBRT?

SBRT is appropriate for many patients with localized prostate cancer, especially those with low to intermediate-risk disease. The size and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health, are taken into account when determining eligibility. Patients with high-risk or advanced-stage prostate cancer can also be treated with SBRT as part of a combination treatment plan.

The Future of Prostate Cancer Treatment

Stereotactic radiation therapy is a huge milestone in the treatment of prostate cancer, offering precision with convenience and effectiveness. Going forward, SBRT is set to become even more perfected and widely adopted as treatment for patients seeking less-invasive alternatives.

Take Away

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, then SBRT is a promising treatment to consider. Discuss it with your oncologist and determine if it is the right choice for your specific condition. With advancements like SBRT, the future of prostate cancer treatment looks brighter than ever.