Optimizing radiotherapy for locally advanced prostate cancer with IMRT and image-guided tumor localization

Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) combined with recently developed non, invasive image-guided targeting techniques for tumor localization/repositioning provide a means to further improve on conformal radiotherapy of prostate cancer by optimally sparing the rectum. This refined approach may potentially improve treatment results for locally advanced prostate cancer while reducing side effects. This review summarizes the clinical requirements for effective prostate radiotherapy and describes the new technology that helps to better fulfil these requirements. These noninvasive developments, their potential benefit as well as their limitations; together with new data on fractionation sensitivity of prostate cancer that may lead to shortened overall treatment times may be of interest for all physicians treating patients with prostate cancer.