Discussion
toxicity
PROSTATE CANCER
With growing acceptance of hypofractionation and the increase of ultra-hypofractionation for definitive radiation treatment of intact prostate cancer, hypofractionated regimens for post-operative management are poised to become a convenient option for patients. Abbreviated radiation schedules may reduce the burden of treatment on patients and treatment centers alike while maintaining clinical efficacy and safety. A primary consideration for patients in need of post-operative radiotherapy is toxicity, manifesting as both acute and late side effects of the bladder and bowel. Such side effects impact quality of life following treatment, highlighting the importance of treatment approaches that minimize toxicity. MRgRT may facilitate higher radiation doses to be delivered in fewer sessions with increased accuracy and precision. The potential advantages of MRgRT include better visualization of the prostatic fossa, the capacity for real-time tracking, and the ability to perform online adaptive radiotherapy that accounts for organ deformation. These factors may decrease the radiation dose received by adjacent structures, thereby minimizing toxicity [