Carbon ion radiotherapy as a dose escalation tool in the treatment of primary high-risk prostate cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. In the high-risk group, carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) is being developed as a state-of-the-art alternative for treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS: Data conducted from studies in Japan, as published by the J-CROS group, suggest that CIRT provides a tool to deliver a treatment for high-risk prostate cancer that delivers tumour control similar to a brachytherapy boost, but without the associated increase in toxicity.

SUMMARY: While a considerable number of patients has been treated with CIRT, a randomized controlled trial showing the benefits of low toxicity while maintaining excellent tumour control has not yet been published and is highly warranted.