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

A clinical trial at BC Cancer Victoria has demonstrated significant advancements in prostate cancer treatment, showing the potential to reduce radiation therapy sessions by more than 90 percent. This innovative approach utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance treatment precision, potentially transforming the experience for many patients.

Diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2025, Mike Miles faced the daunting prospect of frequent radiation appointments. “The healthcare system is overwhelmed with old guys like me,” he remarked, highlighting the stress many face in navigating cancer treatments. Initially classified at intermediate risk, Miles was informed that his cancer was localized and treatable. Traditionally, patients like him would undergo External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT), which can require 20 to 40 sessions due to the limitations of current technology.

The trial, which commenced in July 2026, incorporates Stereotactic Radiotherapy combined with AI to refine the targeting of radiation beams. According to Dr. Abe Alexander, a radiation oncologist at BC Cancer Victoria, the enhanced accuracy means patients may only need to attend five sessions instead of the conventional regimen. “What Stereotactic Radiotherapy does is aim the beams more accurately,” Dr. Alexander explained.

AI plays a crucial role by providing real-time data during treatment, enabling adjustments to minimize exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. “The hope is that it would reduce side effects in the long run,” Dr. Alexander noted. Miles, one of the first patients to benefit from this trial, reported a drastic improvement in his health, stating his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels dropped from 13 ng/ml to 1.3 ng/ml in a year and a half. This decline is significant as a PSA level above 4 ng/ml typically indicates a higher risk of prostate cancer, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.

The trial aims to assess the efficacy of two versus five treatment sessions. As Dr. Alexander pointed out, reducing the number of in-person visits can significantly enhance patients’ quality of life. “So much of their time is spent coming into the cancer centre… that’s time they could be living life and doing other things,” he emphasized.

Currently, around 15 to 20 patients have enrolled in the trial, which is set to expand to include participants from the Mainland in the summer. The ultimate target is to recruit 100 patients and conclude the trial within two years. This initiative represents a substantial step forward in cancer treatment, aiming to alleviate the burden of frequent medical visits and improve overall patient outcomes.

As the trial progresses, the healthcare community remains hopeful that these findings will pave the way for more efficient and patient-friendly radiation therapies in the future.