“These were two nice presentations evaluating the ability of SBRT to control disease as well as toxicity. This is cutting-edge research. It is very exciting that we could treat prostate cancer patients with radiation inside of 2 to 2.5 weeks, and it is clearly cost-saving. We need longer follow-up on disease control and toxicities,” stated Colleen Lawton, MD, Vice-Chair, Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Director of Radiation Oncology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and President of ASTRO. She moderated the press conference where these abstracts on stereotactic body radiation therapy were discussed. 

“We need to know across the board whether all radiation oncologists can use SBRT and achieve the same impressive results,” she continued.

A Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) trial has been initiated to evaluate SBRT in 5-fraction and 12-fraction schedules. Results of that trial will help establish the role of SBRT, but longer-term results are needed.

“The devil is in the details. We need to be sure we are depositing the dose of radiation to the target and protecting normal structures,” she stated. ■

Disclosure:Dr. Lawton reported no potential conflicts of interest.