This study uses photon radiation with a proton boost to treat prostate cancer. The purpose of this study is to determine if proton therapy as a boost following photon intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) produces decreased toxicity as compared to conventional photon IMRT alone in the treatment of prostate cancer. Our secondary objective is to determine the effectiveness of this treatment regimen. Effectiveness will be determined by length of time to progression or recurrence of disease and overall survival. Patients on this study will be treated with a course of photon radiation therapy followed by a boost course of proton radiation.
≥18 years of age Diagnosis of low risk prostate cancer (T1c-T2a, Gleason 6, Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) <10) -OR- Diagnosis of intermediate risk prostate cancer (T1c-T2c, Gleason 7 and/or PSA 10- 20) Life expectancy >10 yrs Physically and mentally capable of signing the consent form of their own volition
Exclusion Criteria:
< 18 years of age Diagnosis of high risk prostate cancer (T3 or higher, Gleason >7 and/or PSA >20) Current or historical use of androgen deprivation therapy Nodal positivity Previous cancer excluding non-melanoma skin cancer History of prostatectomy History of brachytherapy for prostate cancer Life expectancy <10 yrs Physically or mentally incapable of signing the consent form of their own volition
