For men diagnosed with prostate cancer, there is no risk of recurrence if external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is delayed by several months.
A study published in the July 15, 2005 issue of CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, finds delays of EBRT had no harmful impact on clinical outcome or biochemical marker levels in low-, intermediate- and high-risk patients.
Prostate cancer is generally a slow-developing malignancy that affects older men. However, treatment is still important for survival and includes surgery and radiation. The forms of available radiotherapy include external beam radiation - 3D conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT), intensity modulated radiation therapy, or brachytherapy. Treatment delays of several months are quite common for men diagnosed with prostate cancer and can cause patients concern and anxiety.