Aim: provide evidence concerning advantages of volumetric modulated arc therapy over intensity modulated radiation therapy. Background: external beam radiation therapy is a major treatment modality of prostate cancer; especially in high and intermediate risk categories in combination with androgen deprivation therapy. The advent of new techniques of irradiation such as intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) improved significantly the biochemical free survival by allowing dose escalation without enhancement of related toxicities. Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a circular technique delivering radiation dose using one or multiple arc of 360° around the target volumes. Methods: We collected all dosimetric studies comparing VAMT versus IMRT, published in PubMed indexed journals between 2008 and 2015. Parameters of comparison were dose volume histograms for target volumes and organs at risk, number of monitors units and treatment time. Results: Globally, the target volumes coverage and organ at risk protection were similar between the two techniques. VMAT has the advantage to reduce significantly the number of monitor units and treatment time. Conclusion: VMAT is a very efficient technique of radiation therapy, and should be preferred in the treatment of prostate cancer.
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