Dose-escalated 3D conformal radiotherapy in prostate cancer.

3D conformal radiotherapy involves the delivery of radiation to a defined 3D tumor volume while minimizing doses to adjacent critical tissues. The use of sophisticated imaging tools and advanced treatment planning software have allowed for better target definition enabling the oncologist to conform or shape radiation volume more closely around the target while minimizing dose to the rectum and bladder. 3D conformal radiotherapy has resulted in dramatic reductions in acute and late toxicity of radiation treatment in prostate cancer. It has also allowed for safe escalation of radiation dose with improved tumor control compared with conventional dose radiotherapy. Long-term tumor control rates with 3D conformal radiotherapy are comparable with results using radical prostatectomy.