ESTRO 38 Abstract book

S1220 ESTRO 38

pilot data, descriptions of a study design and articles on non-prostate cancer data. Results 85 eligible articles were identified. Early trials on prostate cancer utilizing PBT demonstrated mixed results upon comparison with the routinely used IMRT. The systematic search highlighted the growing popularity and interest in PBT, demonstrated controversy on the efficacy of PBT, compared its clinical and cost-effectiveness and revealed advances in its delivery.

Conclusion Literature demonstrated that the unique physical properties of protons allow dose escalation to the prostate while effectively sparing neighboring normal tissue structures. Theoretically, this allows for better disease control while minimizing toxicities and second malignancies. This allows a dosimetric advantage over photon IMRT. Existing literature consist of prospective Phase II trials and retrospective studies. These articles demonstrated favorable outcomes for early stage prostate cancer utilizing PBT. PBT is significantly expensive. This remains a barrier to its widespread use. To date, the cost- effectiveness of PBT remains conflicting. Its cost- effectiveness requires more study. More studies are needed for a better estimation. Ongoing trials directly comparing PBT with photon EBRT will hopefully elucidate the value of PBT for early stage prostate cancer. Unless there is overwhelming evidence for the clinical superiority of PBT over present advanced techniques, the case for PBT remains questionable.