Proton radiation as boost therapy for localized prostatic carcinoma
W. U. Shipley, J. E. Tepper, G. R. Prout Jr, L. J. Verhey, O. A. Mendiondo, M. Goitein, A. M. Koehler and H. D. Suit
A 160-MeV proton beam has been modified to irradiate patients with
localized tumors by using convention treatment schedules. This proton beam
has the physical advantage of megavoltage x-rays of reducing the radiation
dose to normal tissues adjacent to the tumor volume. A perineal proton
technique used as boost therapy (2,000 to 2,500 rads) was evaluated in the
definitive irradiation of 17 patients with localized prostatic carcinoma.
This technique allows repeated daily treatment of the carefully defined
target volume with a precision of +/- 2 mm. Total dose to the prostatic
tumor, but not to the posterior rectum, has been increased by 500 to 700
rads. After 12 to 27 months of observation, no noteworthy rectal reaction
has developed in a patient, easily managed urethral strictures have
developed in two patients, and all but one are locally controlled.
