Dr. Shinohara on Toxicities of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy in Prostate Cancer

Eric Shinohara, MD, MSCI, associate professor and interim chair, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, discusses the toxicities associated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in prostate cancer.

A majority of research in this space has been done in patients with low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer as SBRT is typically offered to these men, says Shinohara.

SBRT is associated with similar toxicities that are common to other forms of radiation. These toxicities tend to affect the urinary system and include frequent urination, nocturia, and burning.

These adverse events may occur directly after treatment or 1 to 1.5 years following SBRT, says Shinohara. Generally, they resolve on their own and do not require additional intervention.