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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

Posted on 10/12/2025 8:51:36 PM PDT by 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.

(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...


TOPICS: Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: cancer; prostate; prostatecancer
Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) appears to work well and even better than conventional radiation with manageable side effects.
1 posted on 10/12/2025 8:51:36 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
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To: Mazey; ckilmer; goodnesswins; Jane Long; jy8z; ProtectOurFreedom; matthew fuller; telescope115; ...

The “Take Charge Of Your Health” Ping List

This high volume ping list is for health articles and studies which describe something you or your doctor, when informed, may be able to immediately implement for your benefit.

Email me to get on either the “Common/Top Issues” (20 - 25% fewer pings) or “Everything” list.

2 posted on 10/12/2025 8:52:14 PM PDT by ConservativeMind (Trump: Befuddling Democrats, Republicans, and the Media for the benefit of the US and all mankind.)
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To: ConservativeMind

Bookmark.


3 posted on 10/13/2025 1:35:14 AM PDT by grobdriver (The CDC can KMA!)
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To: ConservativeMind

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?


4 posted on 10/13/2025 2:03:31 AM PDT by Does so ("Things will now change in Minneapolis AND AT HOME"....Dem☭¢rat... ∅ ™ ¿ ¡ ☞ ½¼)
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To: Does so

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.


5 posted on 10/13/2025 5:41:15 AM PDT by CA_soon_gone
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To: Does so

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.


6 posted on 10/13/2025 5:42:19 AM PDT by ConservativeMind (Trump: Befuddling Democrats, Republicans, and the Media for the benefit of the US and all mankind.)
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To: ConservativeMind

Bkmk


7 posted on 10/13/2025 10:27:55 AM PDT by sauropod
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