Short-course radiation therapy after prostate surgery helps keep cancer from returning

Medical Xpress / University of California, Los Angeles / European Urology ^ | Oct. 2, 2025 | Denise Heady / Amar U. Kishan et al

[ConservativeMind]

A study found that stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), a form of high-dose radiation delivered in just five sessions, after prostate surgery is safe and as effective as traditional, longer courses of radiation in preventing prostate cancer from returning.

After prostate surgery, some men remain at risk of their cancer coming back. Radiation therapy can lower this risk, but the standard approach usually involves daily treatments for several weeks, which can be burdensome for patients. Researchers have been exploring whether SBRT, already a proven option for men who have not had surgery, could also be safe and effective in the post-surgery setting.

The SCIMITAR Phase 2 trial enrolled 100 patients who had undergone a radical prostatectomy and were considered at higher risk of recurrence. Patients received SBRT in five sessions over roughly 10 days, with some also receiving hormone therapy or lymph node radiation based on physician guidance.

After more than four years of follow-up, researchers found:

—60% of patients remained free of biochemical recurrence, meaning there were no signs of cancer or rise in PSA, and no need for additional hormone therapy

—SBRT without hormone therapy lowered the risk of recurrence compared to conventional radiation

—Side effects were generally manageable. Serious bowel problems occurred in 7% of patients, and urinary issues in 32%. Using MRI-guided radiation helped reduce urinary side effects even further

—Most patients maintained their quality of life, with minimal changes in urinary, bowel and sexual health.

These results build on earlier findings, which showed that SBRT is safe and convenient over a two-year period. Together, the studies suggest that SBRT may be a faster, simpler option for men who need radiation after prostate surgery.

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TOPICS: Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: cancer; prostate; prostatecancer

[ConservativeMind]

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) appears to work well and even better than conventional radiation with manageable side effects.

[ConservativeMind]

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[grobdriver]

Bookmark.

[Does so]

Fifteen years ago, I had a “Brachy-therapy” treatment of a growing cancer threat. (Consisting of 28 radioactive titanium “seeds” containing iodine isotopes).

Followed by weeks of sitting on frozen water bottles against the “burning” discomfort.

Is this treatment normally bulletproof, or should I ask for a prostate-cancer “panel” in my next bloodwork?

[CA_soon_gone]

Fifteen years ago I had a doctor who was an expert in brachytherapy. The hospital also had a clinical trial going with Cyberknife, a directed beam radiation system. The doctor pushed his system but when I fully understood what was involved I said no, I want the directed beam. Four days of treatment I was cancer free with only a couple weeks of minor irritation.

[ConservativeMind]

If your doctor is checking PSA and other normal items, you are likely okay and “cured.”

However, it probably wouldn’t hurt to get a more thorough workup, fifteen years later.

[sauropod]

Bkmk