Proton therapy for prostate cancer: The initial Loma Linda University experience: Slater JD, Rossi CJ Jr, Yonemoto LT, Bush DA, Jabola BR, Levy RP, Grove RI, Preston W, Slater JM, Department of Radiation Medicine, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Lom

Purpose lyzed results of conformal proton radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer, with emphasis on biochemical freedom from relapse. s and materials es were performed for 1255 patients treated between October 1991 and December 1997. Outcomes were measured on primarily in terms of biochemical relapse and toxicity. s erall biochemical disease-free survival rate was 73%, and was 90% in patients with initial PSA ⩽4.0; it was 87% in patients with posttreatment PSA nadirs ⩽0.50. Rates dropped with rises in initial and nadir PSA values. Long-term survival outcomes were comparable with those reported for other modalities intended for cure. sions mal proton radiation therapy at the reported dose levels yielded disease-free survival rates comparable with other forms of local therapy, and with minimal morbidity. Dose-escalation strategies are being implemented to further improve long-term results.