Targeted radiotherapy extends survival for patients with oligometastatic prostate cancer
Metastatic prostate cancer can sometimes remain limited to a small number of metastases, known as 'oligometastatic' prostate cancer. Opinions differ on how best to treat these patients. Most specialists prefer hormone therapy or wait to see how the disease evolves. Over the past few years, several studies have been set up to examine whether targeted radiation of these small metastases leads to better outcomes. CRIG group leader Prof. Piet Ost and Dr. Chad Tang (USA) collected data from these studies in the 'WOLVERINE study' and concluded that targeted radiotherapy can effectively extend the survival of patients with metastatic prostate cancer.
Radiotherapy proved effective in keeping the disease stable for longer without signs of growth. This effect was consistent across different patient groups, regardless of how the cancer was detected or whether the patient received hormone therapy. Additionally, radiotherapy helped extend the period before the cancer became resistant to hormone therapy, potentially delaying further treatments such as additional hormonal therapy or chemotherapy and their associated side effects.
A new treatment with minimal side effects that extends survival is quite unique. This is the first time a study indicates that radiation for oligometastatic prostate cancer not only stabilizes the disease but can also positively influence overall survival.
– Prof. Piet Ost (Cancer Research Institute Ghent)
Although Prof. Ost and Dr. Tang used results from studies conducted in various centers worldwide, Belgian researchers are at the forefront of these findings. Prof. Piet Ost's team initiated the 'STOMP' trial, the first study to investigate the effect of radiotherapy on oligometastatic prostate cancer.
The team is delighted to see their original research idea translating into a real difference for patients and advises patients to discuss with their treating physician whether targeted radiotherapy is an option in their situation.
Ten years ago, we first invested in research on targeted radiotherapy for metastatic prostate cancer. The result of the WOLVERINE study we funded underscores the crucial importance of long-term support for scientific research. Only in this way can we offer patients increasingly better treatment options, by extending survival and better controlling the disease.
- David Vansteenbrugge (CEO, Kom op tegen Kanker)
You can listen to an interview with Prof. Piet Ost on Radio 2 (in Dutch) via this link.