Advancements in Radiotherapy Highlighted at ESTRO 2026

Modern radiotherapy has been shown to be as effective as surgery for prostate cancer, while also offering significant advantages in preserving urinary continence and sexual function. Despite the growing body of evidence supporting its efficacy, radiotherapy is underused in several European countries. For instance, only 12–22% of patients eligible for curative treatment receive radiotherapy, as noted in various national registries. This trend was discussed prominently at the ESTRO 2026 congress in Stockholm, emphasizing the need for improved patient awareness.

Experts in the field, including Professor Filippo Alongi from the University of Brescia, cited results from the PACE-A study, which indicates that high-precision radiotherapy can be delivered in just five sessions, presenting advantages over robotic surgery in terms of side effects. "The findings from the British ProtecT trial and the eight-year follow-up of PACE-A reinforce that modern radiotherapy can effectively preserve patients' quality of life while maintaining oncological effectiveness," stated Professor Alongi.

The congress underscored a collaborative approach among healthcare professionals, researchers, patient organizations, and the medical technology industry to address misconceptions about radiotherapy. A vital part of this strategy involves ensuring patients understand that modern radiotherapy is a viable alternative to surgery, offering important long-term quality of life benefits.

Key discussions at ESTRO focused on the importance of minimizing side effects and enhancing treatment efficiency. Experts emphasized that communication with patients should be simplified to avoid confusion about treatment modalities. For instance, Professor Piet Ost highlighted, "We need to be as clear and decisive as that," referencing the straightforward messaging often seen in surgical discussions.

Furthermore, advancements in radiotherapy techniques, including stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and real-time tumor tracking, were also emphasized. Dr. Carmen Rubio Rodriguez noted the transformation in localized prostate cancer treatment, highlighting that many patients can now receive non-invasive treatment with outcomes comparable to surgery.

Emphasizing the evolution of radiotherapy, Professor Thomas Zilli discussed the significance of urethra-sparing techniques that reduce urinary side effects. This advancement displays a growing focus on improving not just tumor control but also the overall patient experience.

The collaborative efforts observed at ESTRO 2026 signal a foundational shift towards increased utilization of high-precision radiotherapy, improving patient outcomes in prostate cancer care, while also enhancing public understanding of this treatment option.