Monotherapy with carbon ion radiation for localized prostate cancer

Background: Radiation treatment for localized prostate cancer has become a prominent choice of monotherapy, and carbon ion beam is a powerful means for this purpose. Methods: In total, 37 patients with localized prostate cancer were treated by monotherapy with carbon ion radiation and the outcome, more than 4 years later, was followed. Results: PSA relapse-free survival was overall 85%, 5 years after radiation, and 96% in low-risk patients. Local control was mostly achieved, and no cancer-specific death was obtained. Except in cases of relapse, 1.0 ng/ml or less of PSA was shown in 78%, 3 years after radiation. Half of biopsy specimens out of 12 cases revealed non-viable or no cancer cells after a rather short time from treatment. Conclusion: Monotherapy with carbon ion radiation may be an excellent treatment for localized prostate cancer with low risk.