Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Prostate Cancer

This book offers a comprehensive evaluation of the use of stereotactic body radiosurgery (SBRT) for the treatment of prostate cancer. The rationale, selection criteria, and treatment planning for prostate SBRT are explained. Important imaging and anatomic considerations are discussed, and detailed consideration devoted to organ motion and tumor tracking during SBRT. Outcomes of therapy are then examined, with thorough appraisal of side effect profiles and quality of life impacts. Clear guidance is provided on how to deliver the therapy in a way that minimizes the risk of long-term urinary and rectal toxicities.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for prostate cancer is an increasingly used form of treatment. Retrospective investigations have demonstrated the safe application of high-dose treatments, with 5-year results comparable to those achieved with protracted external beam radiotherapy. Prospective studies are underway comparing SBRT with more traditional forms of image-guided and intensity-modulated radiotherapy. In offering in-depth guidance on safe delivery of prostate SBRT, this book will be of value for students of radiation oncology, more experienced practitioners, and medical physicists.

Professor Michael Zelefsky is a recognized international authority in the treatment of prostate cancer with radiotherapy. He is currently Vice Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology and Chief of the Brachytherapy Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He also serves as a leader of the Genito-urinary Disease Management Team at Memorial Sloan Kettering and has been instrumental in the development of novel radiation techniques that have been adopted worldwide, including IMRT, IGRT, and intraoperative adaptive brachytherapy treatment planning. Professor Zelefsky has published more than 300 publications as well as chapters and textbooks. He is currently exploring approaches using targeted biologic agents concurrently with hypofractionated stereotactic radiosurgery for high-risk disease as well as the implementation of novel brachytherapy techniques to improve the precision of brachytherapy in the treatment of prostate cancers. Dr. Zelefsky is the Editor in Chief of Brachytherapy, the premier journal in the world for articles devoted to the use of brachytherapy in the treatment of cancer.