Below the Belt Award

This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of using the next generation of radiotherapy machine with an onboard MRI scanner (known as an MR-linac, or MRL) to give further radiation to the prostate in men who have previously received prostate radiation and now have a recurrence in the prostate gland. The efficacy and tolerability of this approach has been demonstrated in a number of small series using a conventional radiation machine, but the dose and method of delivery have varied significantly and thus the results are difficult to generalise or apply clinically. Controlling the recurrent cancer this way can spare men the toxicity of hormone therapy which, while usually effective, carries a raft of side effects that can significantly impact quality of life. The potential exists for re-irradiation to be delivered to a higher dose and with less risk of toxicity by harnessing the unique potential of the MRL to deliver treatment more accurately. If this treatment is feasible on the MRL, the intention is to broaden this to a national study to explore in more detail the optimal dose for this treatment.