ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Aim of this analysis was to assess the current status of prostate cancer radiotherapy in Austria and compare these numbers to patients treated with surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all 14 Austrian departments asking about numbers of prostate cancer patients treated and indication of treatment (primary, postoperative), as well as the treatment technique used (3D-CRT, IMRT, brachytherapy), treatment volumes (with/without pelvic irradiation), dose applied, and differences in treatment concepts. Data investigated were based on the year 2007. RESULTS: Of the 14 departments (65%), 9 departments decided to participate. A total of 1,191 prostate cancer patients were treated (847 primary, 344 postoperative). Primary patients were treated by external beam technique (91%) and permanent interstitial brachytherapy (9%). All postoperative patients were treated by 3D-CRT. Dose ranged from 70-78 Gy for primary patients and from 60-72 Gy for postoperative patients. A risk-adapted dose prescription was performed in 5 centers. Additional pelvic lymph node irradiation was based on signs of positive nodes in 4 departments and based on Roach formula/Partin table in 5 departments. CONCLUSION: About 25% of prostate cancer patients receive primary radiotherapy. This number reflects a high potential to conduct national studies. Treatment technique and dose applied was in all centers investigated in accordance with the German S3 guidelines.
