3D conformal radiotherapy for prostate carcinoma: focus on toxicity

Prostate carcinoma is the most common malignancy in men. Due to (un)controlled screening and patient awareness the incidence seems to be increasing with years. Many (treatment) options are available, that can be roughly divided in surgery ([laparoscopic] prostatectomy [including lymphadenectomy]), radiotherapy (brachytherapy [iodine125 seeds / palladium seeds / HDR Ir 192 afterloading] and / or external beam [+/- androgen ablation]) and for some patients even watchful waiting is advocated. The combination of prognostic factors like stage, Gleason score (differentiation grade), PSA and others e.g. the percentage of positive prostate biopsies, will give an indicate the chances for organ confined disease, seminal vesicle infiltration, lymph nodes metastases and ultimately for tumor control.