At the 2026 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting, researchers shared new findings that could help shape prostate cancer treatment and care. In this recap, we highlight three studies exploring personalized radiation treatment, long-term outcomes, and new approaches for prostate cancer that has returned. Here’s what the research could mean for patients.
1) A genetic test may predict who is more likely to have long-term urinary side effects
Researchers found that a genetic test called PROSTOX Ultra (PROSTOXu) may help predict which people with prostate cancer are more likely to have lasting urinary side effects after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). The test looks at inherited genetic differences that may affect how a person responds to radiation. In the study, people identified as higher risk had many more long-term urinary side effects after SBRT than those considered lower risk. Importantly, doctors used the test to choose a different type of radiation for some higher-risk patients, and these patients had fewer urinary side effects.
These findings suggest that genetic testing could help doctors better understand the risk of side effects before treatment and choose a radiation approach that’s more personalized.
2) Comparing stereotactic body radiation therapy vs. surgery in localized prostate cancer
A long-term study found that five-treatment SBRT controlled localized prostate cancer, with fewer urinary and sexual side effects than surgery. After eight years, 91% of people who received SBRT remained free from signs that their cancer had returned or progressed, compared with 84% of those who had surgery, although this difference wasn’t statistically significant. The biggest differences were in quality of life: at five years, 8% of people who received SBRT needed a urinary pad compared with 48% of those who had surgery, and sexual function scores were also better with SBRT.
For patients, these results provide longer-term information to consider when weighing treatment options, showing that five-treatment SBRT can offer cancer control and may have less impact on urinary and sexual function.
3) Comparing different treatment approaches for recurrent prostate cancer
A study looked at men whose prostate cancer had returned in a small number of places and compared three treatment approaches:
- SBRT alone
- SBRT plus a targeted treatment called 177Lu-PSMA radioligand therapy
- SBRT plus hormone therapy
Cancer progression was delayed longer when either additional treatment was combined with SBRT, about 19 months with radioligand therapy and 22 months with hormone therapy, compared with 6 months with SBRT alone. The two combination treatments had similar results, while serious side effects were reported in 10% of patients receiving radioligand therapy and 21% receiving hormone therapy, although this difference wasn’t statistically significant.
These findings suggest that combining SBRT with 177Lu-PSMA could be another treatment approach to discuss when prostate cancer returns in a limited number of locations, potentially allowing some patients to delay or limit hormone therapy.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Outcomes4Me is not acting as your caregiver, and any suggestions or guidance offered should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
