Bigger blasts of radiotherapy could HALVE treatment time for deadly prostate cancer
New findings a lifeline for the 35,000 men a year stricken with disease
PROSTATE cancer treatment time could be nearly halved with higher doses of radiotherapy, according to a major British study.
It found 20 higher blasts instead of the current 37 lower doses was just as effective with fewer side-effects.
The finding, by The Institute of Cancer Research in London, could save the NHS millions of pounds, with around 150,000 fewer hospital visits a year.
The ICR followed 3,200 men across the UK over nearly 14 years.
Men given the higher doses were just as likely to have recovered — and suffered less than half the usual side-effects, such as fatigue and loss of libido.
Lead investigator Professor David Dearnaley said: "If the new regime is incorporated into routine clinical practice, it will save the NHS tens of millions of pounds per year as well as freeing up space for other patients to have radiotherapy more quickly.”
Related stories
Prostate Cancer UK wants the high-dose treatment to be rolled out across the UK as soon as possible.
The disease hits 35,000 men a year in the UK and kills around 10,000.
ICR chief executive Professor Paul Workman said: "This is an important study which opens the door to better, more convenient care for patients while saving the NHS valuable money that can be spent on other treatments."
It will save the NHS tens of millions of pounds per year as well as freeing up space for other patients to have radiotherapy more quickly
Prof David Dearnaley
Breast cancer radiotherapy was overhauled in 2009 when the same research team found fewer, higher doses were similarly effective.
It is estimated that the NHS has saved around £50m a year as a result of the research.
Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368