hdr boost + sbrt + prophylactic lymph node irradiation
It is fist time I heard:
hdr boost with sbrt (instead of about 15 session IMRT), did any treated by this way?
Also, did any one have prophylactic lymph node irradiation treatment? if so, what are the toxicity added comparing to regular "hdr boost + EBRT" only regardless ADT?
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The HDR/SBRT combo without the prophylactic lymph node radiation is being used at many of the top cancer centers with very good success. I was offered a trial at Univ of Penn, HDR brachy boost, 5 sessions of proton to prostate and whole pelvis region plus short course of ADT. The reason for trial is to see about the side effects, especially for the prophylactic radiation to the pelvis region. I decided not to do trial. Many centers have been doing HDR boost with 23-25 sessions of IMRT with some doing HDR boost before and some after the IMRT for many years now. The last few years some studies have shown 5 sessions of SBRT with the HDR is working just as well as the longer IMRT. Some studies showing SBRT may have less long term side effects. The success rate of HDR & SBRT is around 90% for low/ intermediate risk. Adding short course (4-6 months) of ADT will improve success rate by 5-8% .
Also there is a test called Prostox Ultra that will show chances of long term toxicity to SBRT.
A few guys at Sloan had it done when I was there for my 25 SRT treatments about 2 yrs ago.
Frankly, SBRT or IMRT without radiation to the nodes in a salvage setting is a waste of time; there is a 30%+ failure rate if the nodes are not targeted.
But you are talking about primary treatment; and I personally would want my nodes targeted regardless of a ‘negative’ PET scan - you’re on the frickin table already so just get it done …JMHO
Phil
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3 ReactionsNot sure but reason they may not always do the nodes if something shows up later in a node you might not be able to zap then again since radiated already? That might leave surgery to remove node the only option at that point?
@copyman very good point with different perspective.
@copyman Yes, that is a distinct possibility; they could then use SBRT to zap the affected node(s).
However, many times in primary treatment using IMRT, they will radiate the nodes as well, especially with a higher Gleason score or other adverse patho features which might indicate ‘local’ spread.
It seems that we are reading more these days about being able to RE radiate after treatment., doesn’t it? The ‘lifetime dose’ has become much more flexible?🤔
Phil