ABSTRACT
PURPOSE. Many studies confirmed the evidence of a dose-response relationship in prostate cancer. Escalation of dose using conventional techniques is however limited by rectal tolerance. IMRT and 3D-CRT have been designed to allow dose escalation while not exceeding rectal tolerance. We evaluated the acute and early late tolerance to surrounding organs upon dose escalation from 70 to 78 Gy in 3D-CRT setting, in order to introduce the IMRT process as a routine practice in prostate cancer treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We compared clinical data from 35 patients with localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate, who received 70 Gy within a traditional reconstructed three-dimensional treatment planning, and data from 72 patients who received 78 Gy within a threedimensional conformal setting. In order to respect rectal tolerance in the higher dose group, limits were set for rectum doses, and simulation procedures were standardized. We evaluated radiation morbidity (acute and late gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicity) using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group scoring criteria (RTOG scale). RESULTS. Increasing doses from 70 Gy to 78 Gy resulted in no significant difference for acute and late effects. CONCLUSION. A procedural standardization aiming at minimizing day-by-day variation, as well as a more consistent dose distribution to critical organs may significantly reduce the risk of increased toxicity in dose-escalation setting.