Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy in localized carcinoma of prostate: preliminary reports of toxicity in dose-escalation treatment

Purpose Many studies confirmed the evidence of a dose-response relationship in prostate cancer. Escalation of dose using conventional techniques is however limited by rectal tolerance. IMRT and 3D-CRT have been designed to allow dose escalation while not exceeding rectal tolerance. We evaluated the acute and early late tolerance to surrounding organs upon dose escalation from 70 to 78 Gy in 3D-CRT setting, in order to introduce the IMRT process as a routine practice in prostate cancer treatment. Materials and Methods We compared clinical data from 35 patients with localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate, who received 70 Gy within a traditional reconstructed three-dimensional treatment plan…