Comparing proton and photon radiotherapy for prostate cancer

Preference-based Comparative Study on Definitive Radiotherapy of Prostate Cancer With Protons in Standard Fractionation and Standard Dosage

Not applicable Interventional Technische Universität Dresden · NCT02766686

This study is testing whether proton therapy can cause fewer side effects than traditional photon therapy for men with prostate cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment146 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexMale
SponsorTechnische Universität Dresden Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsRadiation
Locations3 sites (Dresden and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02766686 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

ProtoChoice-P is a multicenter trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of proton therapy in treating prostate cancer. The primary goal is to reduce moderate to severe genito-urinary and intestinal side effects associated with radiation therapy. The study will compare outcomes between patients receiving proton therapy and those receiving traditional photon therapy, focusing on quality of life, biochemical recurrence, and overall survival. Patients will be matched based on various criteria to ensure a fair comparison, as randomization is not feasible due to limited proton facilities.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include men with locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the prostate who have a life expectancy of at least 10 years and meet specific health criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with distant metastases or those who have previously undergone pelvic radiotherapy are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce side effects for prostate cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with proton therapy, suggesting potential benefits over traditional photon therapy, although this specific comparative approach is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* life expectancy ≥ 10 years
* adenocarcinoma of the prostate confirmed by punch biopsy
* locally limited to locally advanced adenocarcinomas without evidence of distant metastases i.e. T1-3b N0-1 M0
* stage-related indicated neoadjuvant / adjuvant androgen deprivation possible (neoadjuvant ≤ 6 months)
* good general condition (ECOG performance status 0 - 1)
* marker seed implantation before irradiation (optional) or possibility of Image-guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) by CT
* adequate compliance for follow-up
* written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* distant metastases
* previous radiotherapy of the lesser pelvis
* previous or concomitant other malignant disease except when there is no impact on treatment or follow-up of the prostate cancer
* participation in another clinical study, if it's excluded by the study protocols

Where this trial is running

Dresden and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Prostate CancerProstate cancerproton radiotherapyphoton radiotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.