Clinical Trialist
Dr. med. Edgar Smalec
Department of Radiation Oncology
University Hospital Marburg
Research Focus: Prospective comparison of hypofractionated proton and photon radiotherapy for organ-preserving treatment of localized prostate cancer.
Contact: edgar.smalec@uk-gm.de
PRO HYPO: Prospective trial comparing hypofractionated proton and photon radiotherapy in localized prostate cancer
PRO HYPO is a prospective trial evaluating hypofractionated proton versus photon radiotherapy in localized prostate cancer. The study systematically investigates physical, dosimetric, radiobiological, and clinical differences between the two modalities in a curative, organ-preserving setting. Proton therapy is delivered via state-of-the-art pencil beam scanning with energy-specific range modulation, robust plan optimization, and image-guided delivery (IGRT), enabling highly conformal dose deposition along the Bragg peak with maximal sparing of critical structures such as the rectum and bladder. In addition to analyzing fractionation effects, the trial compares fundamental differences in beam quality and dose distribution between proton and photon radiotherapy. A translational research component explores potential radiobiological markers and fractionation-dependent tissue responses. PRO HYPO thus provides an evidence-based foundation for the precise, indication-specific application of modern proton therapy in personalized prostate cancer radiotherapy.
Find out more about the research here.
