• A 10-year follow-up of the HYPO-RT-PC trial demonstrates that a 2-week radiotherapy course for localized prostate cancer yields equivalent disease control and survival rates compared to the standard 8-week course.
• The shorter radiotherapy course does not increase long-term side effects and offers a more convenient treatment option for patients with less disruption to daily life and potentially lower health-care costs.
• The findings support the adoption of ultrahypofractionated radiotherapy, making cancer treatment more efficient, accessible, and patient-friendly.

The European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology's (ESTRO) 2025 Annual Meeting presented findings from the phase III HYPO-RT-PC trial showing that a shorter course of radiotherapy (2 weeks) for localized prostate cancer is as safe and effective as the traditional 8-week schedule, even 10 years after treatment. The study, conducted by researchers in Sweden, involved 1,200 men with intermediate- to high-risk localized prostate cancer and assessed survival, cancer recurrence, and treatment-related side effects.

• What: A clinical trial (HYPO-RT-PC) compared a short-course radiotherapy (42.7 Gy in 7 sessions over 2.5 weeks) to a standard-course radiotherapy (78.0 Gy in 39 sessions over 8 weeks) for localized prostate cancer.
• Who: The study involved 1,200 men with intermediate- to high-risk localized prostate cancer, led by researchers at Skåne University Hospital and Lund University, including Associate Professors Per Nilsson and Adalsteinn Gunnlaugsson.
• When: The findings were presented at the ESTRO 2025 Annual Meeting, with data collected over a 10-year period following the initial treatment.
• Where: The study was conducted in Sweden.

The HYPO-RT-PC trial's 10-year follow-up provides strong evidence supporting the use of ultrahypofractionated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer. The study demonstrates that shorter treatment schedules are just as effective and safe as the traditional approach, offering patients a more convenient and less disruptive option. The similar rates of side effects in both groups further reinforce the viability of the shorter course. This approach has the potential to improve access to cancer care and reduce healthcare costs.

These long-term findings confirm previous 5-year results from the trial, showing that delivering fewer, higher doses over a shorter period works just as well as the standard approach—not just in theory, but in real-world clinical practice.

These findings confirm that the shorter course does not increase long-term side effects and provides equally durable cancer control

Shorter treatment schedules mean patients can return to their normal lives more quickly. Reducing treatment time to just [2.5 weeks] is a major win for both patients and health systems.

The 10-year results from the HYPO-RT-PC trial establish ultrahypofractionated radiotherapy as a viable and effective treatment option for localized prostate cancer. The shorter treatment duration offers significant benefits for patients, reducing disruption to their daily lives and potentially lowering healthcare costs, without compromising on cancer control or safety. The study's findings are likely to influence clinical practice and promote the adoption of shorter radiotherapy schedules.