Conformal radiotherapy (CRT) is widely available in the UK and is the standard method of treatment. ‘Conventional’ RT should no longer be used for the curative treatment of prostate cancer.
CRT uses a linear accelerator machine in a similar way to conventional EBRT, but involves three dimensional planning and delivery to match the radiation to the size and shape of the prostate. This ensures that the radiation dose is primarily given to the tumour and that healthy surrounding cells and nearby structures receive a lower dose of radiation. This can help to reduce the risk of side effects.
Using conformal radiotherapy, higher doses of radiation can be used, than are used in conventional EBRT. High-dose conformal therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrence without increasing the risk of urinary and rectal side effects (20).