This study is a large, prospective, pragmatic, controlled comparison of patient-centric outcomes [quality of life (QOL), toxicity, and disease control] between parallel cohorts of men with prostate cancer treated simultaneously at proton therapy facilities and at geographically similar conventional (photon-based) radiation facilities using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) techniques. This study includes a pre-specified randomized comparison of standard fractionation and moderate hypofractionation dose schemes within the proton therapy cohort. In addition, subgroup analyses will include a comparison of outcomes by race (Black vs. White), comorbidity score (0 vs. 1+), age (<65 vs. ≥65), fractionation schedule (standard, moderate, ultra-hypofractionation), and prostate cancer aggressiveness (very low and low, intermediate, and high risk) for all objectives.~All interventions will be standard of care (SOC) radiation strategies using either IMRT or proton therapy. All patient-reported QOL, patient-scored and patient-reported toxicity, and disease control assessments will be SOC. Participants will also complete pretreatment surveys regarding demographic data, personal treatment goals, factors affecting treatment decision-making, and sources of information used in treatment selection.
This study is a large, prospective, pragmatic, controlled comparison of patient-centric outcomes [quality of life (QOL), toxicity, and disease control] between parallel cohorts of men with prostate cancer treated simultaneously at proton therapy facilities and at geographically similar conventional (photon-based) radiation facilities using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) techniques.