Advanced radiotherapy for prostate cancer to cut sessions from 20 to five
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- NHS England announced that all 48 radiotherapy centres in England will begin offering SABR for low‑ and intermediate‑risk prostate cancer within weeks.
- SABR (stereotactic ablative radiotherapy) will reduce the standard 20‑session prostate cancer treatment course to five sessions, delivering a more precise, high‑powered beam that limits damage to healthy cells.
- Modelling predicts that about 3,500 of the 17,500 low‑ or intermediate‑risk prostate cancer patients diagnosed annually in England will opt for SABR.
- Prof Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer, said the new technology will not benefit every patient but represents an important step, emphasizing the 15‑fewer‑dose advantage.
- Amy Rylance of Prostate Cancer UK described the rollout as a revolutionary advance that will greatly reduce the burden on patients and families.
- Edwin Lambert, a 70‑year‑old trial participant, reported fewer side effects and a quicker return to normal activities after SABR, though he noted increased urination frequency.
Why it matters: Thousands of low‑ and intermediate‑risk prostate cancer patients in England will receive SABR, slashing treatment from 20 sessions to five and cutting side‑effects, while the NHS can deliver care more efficiently across its 48 radiotherapy centres; men opting for active monitoring remain unaffected.
