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Proton versus photon-based radiation therapy for prostate cancer: emerging evidence and considerations in the era of value-based cancer care

Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases volume 22, pages 509–521 (2019)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Background

Advances in radiation technology have transformed treatment options for patients with localized prostate cancer. The evolution of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) have allowed physicians to spare surrounding normal organs and reduce adverse effects. The introduction of proton beam technology and its physical advantage of depositing its energy in tissue at the end-of-range maximum may potentially spare critical organs such as the bladder and rectum in prostate cancer patients. Data thus far are limited to large, observational studies that have not yet demonstrated a definite benefit of protons over conventional treatment with IMRT. The cost of proton beam treatment adds to the controversy within the field.

Methods

We performed an extensive literature review for all proton treatment-related prostate cancer studies. We discuss the history of proton beam technology, as well as its role in the treatment of prostate cancer, associated controversies, novel technology trends, a discussion of cost-effectiveness, and an overview of the ongoing modern large prospective studies that aim to resolve the debate between protons and photons for prostate cancer.

Results

Present data have demonstrated that proton beam therapy is safe and effective compared with the standard treatment options for prostate cancer. While dosimetric studies suggest lower whole-body radiation dose and a theoretically higher relative biological effectiveness in prostate cancer compared with photons, no studies have demonstrated a clear benefit with protons.

Conclusions

Evolving trends in proton treatment delivery and proton center business models are helping to reduce costs. Introduction of existing technology into proton delivery allows further control of organ motion and addressing organs-at-risk. Finally, the much-awaited contemporary studies comparing photon with proton-based treatments, with primary endpoints of patient-reported quality-of-life, will help us understand the differences between proton and photon-based treatments for prostate cancer in the modern era.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Maryam Moteabbed, PhD, for her assistance with the Figures. JAE serves as the principal investigator of the PARTIQoL multi-center randomized phase 3 clinical trial of proton therapy versus intensity-modulated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer and acknowledges funding support from the Federal Share of program income earned by Massachusetts General Hospital (grant C06 CA059267) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

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  1. Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Sophia C. Kamran & Jason A. Efstathiou

  2. Harvard Business School, Boston, MA, USA

    Jay O. Light

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Kamran, S.C., Light, J.O. & Efstathiou, J.A. Proton versus photon-based radiation therapy for prostate cancer: emerging evidence and considerations in the era of value-based cancer care. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 22, 509–521 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41391-019-0140-7

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