BC Cancer Trial Cuts Radiation Treatments by Over 90% for Prostate Patients

A clinical trial at BC Cancer Victoria is demonstrating significant advancements in prostate cancer treatment by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce the number of radiation sessions required by more than 90%. This promising approach aims to alleviate the burden on patients while enhancing the effectiveness of their treatment.

Mike Miles, diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2025, initially feared he would face a lengthy series of appointments for radiation therapy. Classified as having an intermediate risk of prostate cancer due to localized cells, standard treatment protocols would typically require patients like Miles to undergo between 20 to 40 sessions of External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT).

Dr. Abe Alexander, a radiation oncologist at BC Cancer Victoria, explained that traditional EBRT often lacks precision, leading to a higher number of necessary treatments. The ongoing clinical trial, which commenced in July 2026, combines Stereotactic Radiotherapy with AI technology. This innovative method allows for more accurate targeting of radiation beams, significantly reducing the treatment sessions required.

“What Stereotactic Radiotherapy does is use advanced technology to aim the beams more accurately. As a result, patients can now typically complete their treatment in just five sessions instead of the standard 20 to 40,” Dr. Alexander noted. The integration of AI plays a critical role by providing real-time measurements during treatment, minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding organs and tissues.

Miles has experienced remarkable benefits, having undergone only two treatment sessions. His prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, a marker for prostate cancer, dropped from 13 ng/ml to 1.3 ng/ml following this reduced treatment regimen. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, a normal PSA level is considered to be around 4 ng/ml, and higher levels indicate an increased risk of prostate cancer.

Dr. Alexander emphasized the importance of improving patients’ quality of life. Frequent hospital visits can be burdensome and detract from time spent on personal activities. “Reducing the number of in-person sessions means patients can reclaim their time and focus on living their lives,” he stated. The trial randomly assigns participants to receive either two or five treatment sessions, with the goal of establishing a treatment standard that minimizes appointments.

Currently, around 15 to 20 patients have enrolled in the trial, which is set to expand to residents on the Mainland during the summer. The objective is to recruit 100 patients and complete the trial within two years.

As the trial progresses, the medical community remains optimistic about the potential long-term benefits for prostate cancer patients. With advancements in technology and treatment protocols, there is hope for a future with less invasive and more effective cancer care.