BC Cancer clinical trial shows radiation treatments reduced by more than 90%

A BC Cancer Victoria trial using stereotactic radiotherapy with AI is allowing some prostate cancer patients to receive far fewer radiation sessions, in some cases as few as two instead of the typical 20–40. The trial began in July, has enrolled about 15–20 patients so far, and aims to reach 100 participants and finish within two years.

A clinical trial at BC Cancer Victoria is testing a combination of stereotactic radiotherapy and artificial intelligence to reduce the number of radiation sessions for some prostate cancer patients. The trial began in July and was prompted by concerns that traditional radiation schedules require many in-person visits over weeks. Key facts: - Standard external beam radiation treatment for prostate cancer often requires about 20 to 40 sessions. - The trial combines stereotactic radiotherapy with AI guidance to aim beams more precisely and limit exposure to nearby organs. - AI is reported to provide real-time measurements during treatment so clinicians can adjust the radiation machine while it is in use. - Some trial participants are being treated in as few as two sessions, and others in five sessions under the study protocol. - One patient, described in reporting, had a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level that fell from 13 ng/ml before treatment to 1.3 ng/ml after treatment. - About 15 to 20 patients have enrolled so far; the trial plans to open to Mainland residents in the summer, enroll about 100 patients, and complete within two years. Summary: The reported early results indicate the approach can substantially reduce the number of in-person radiation visits for some patients and may lead to fewer long-term side effects, as reported by clinicians. The study will expand enrollment and continue for the planned duration to assess outcomes more fully.