A newly developed radiation therapy as part of prostate cancer treatment has proven successful, according to Australian researchers.
An international clinical trial revealed that a potent form of radiation therapy could cut the treatment cycle for prostate cancer into half. The usual eight weeks of daily treatment was cut to a four-week treatment with a similar cure rate and no side-effects.
"The message from them is that the shorter the treatment period, the better. Treatment is safe, effective, non-invasive and done as an outpatient. With modern techniques the risk of side effects is low. A standard course is often given five days a week over eight weeks, which can make treatment challenging for some men. This is especially true if they live in regional parts of Australia," Associate Professor of the Calvary Mater Newcastle Jarad Martin said.
The findings revealed that 85 percent of the test subjects had no signs of cancer after they were treated with using the new approach. This astonishing result has opened up opportunities for both patients and clinic. Many Australian cancer centers are starting to offer the four-week radiation program for prostate cancer.
As of the current writing, prostate cancer remains among the top four deadliest type of cancer in the world, according to World Cancer Research Fund International. While lung cancer remains the top culprit, prostate cancer is quickly rising.
Apart from the lack of proper medication, some patients shy away from cancer treatment due to psychological and mental factors. Some patients opt for alternative medications than proper treatment.
One of the reasons behind this is the length of the treatment. The usual radiation therapy could last for two months. However, with the latest prostate cancer treatment method being offered, more patients are expected to come forward.
Watch a discussion about radiation therapy below: