Prostate Cancer Treatment Cut to 5 Doses

The Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath has introduced a new, high-precision radiography treatment for prostate cancer, marking a significant advancement in patient care. Derek Chase, a 73-year-old retired GP, was the first patient to receive Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) at RUH, a treatment that dramatically reduces the number of sessions from 20 to five. This highly accurate method employs advanced imaging to deliver radiation precisely to the prostate, thereby minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissues and consequently lessening side effects.

This SABR treatment, previously offered to some lung and brain cancer patients, is now accessible to thousands of men across England diagnosed with low and intermediate-risk prostate cancer annually. NHS England anticipates that approximately 17,500 men each year could be offered this more convenient five-dose course of radiotherapy. Sian Smith, consultant radiographer at RUH, highlighted that this approach not only reduces hospital visits but also has the potential to increase appointment availability and shorten waiting times for other patients. Trials are ongoing to explore its efficacy for high-risk prostate cancer patients.