SABR Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer in the UK

SABR Radiotherapy for Primary and Metastatic Prostate Cancer

If you are exploring SABR for prostate cancer, you may already have been through difficult conversations about surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, recurrence or spread. What matters now is understanding whether there is a focused treatment option that could help you.

SABR delivers highly targeted radiotherapy to cancer with millimetre accuracy. It can be used to treat primary prostate cancer within the gland, and in carefully assessed cases, prostate cancer metastases in areas such as lymph nodes, bone or other sites.

We review your scans, PSA history, biopsy results and current treatment in detail, then explain clearly whether SABR has a meaningful role in your care.

For Primary And Secondary Tumours

Relevant to liver cancer that started in the organ, and to limited metastases.

Outpatient Treatment

No hospital stay. Each session is delivered on the day, with no general anaesthetic required.

3 To 5 Treatment Sessions

A short course of precision radiotherapy, timed around liver movement.

What is PROSTATE Cancer?

A Clearer Picture Of Your Prostate Cancer Before Treatment Starts

Before you decide on treatment for prostate cancer, you need a clear understanding of what your diagnosis is showing.

Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start to grow abnormally. Some prostate cancers remain slow-growing for years. Others are more active and need treatment because they are more likely to progress, return or spread.

This is why the right plan cannot be based on the words “prostate cancer” alone. It depends on the stage and grade of the cancer, your PSA level, scan findings, symptoms, previous treatment and whether every visible site of disease can be treated safely.

Common symptoms of prostate cancer:

Needing to urinate more frequently
Getting up several times at night to urinate
Difficulty starting urination
Weak flow or stopping and starting
Urgency or leaking before reaching the toilet
Blood in urine or semen
Pain in the spine, hips, ribs or pelvis
Unexplained fatigue or weight loss

Whether you are noticing symptoms for the first time or trying to understand treatment options after a diagnosis, we can help you make sense of what comes next.

The main types of prostate cancer

Acinar Adenocarcinoma

The most common prostate cancer, starting in the gland cells that make prostate fluid. Some grow slowly, while others need active treatment.

Ductal Adenocarcinoma

A less common prostate cancer that starts in the prostate ducts. It can behave more aggressively, so specialist review is important.

Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer most often spreads to bone or lymph nodes, and less often to lung or liver. SABR may target selected sites.

Cancers That Can Involve The Prostate

Secondary cancer in the prostate is uncommon, but it can occasionally be linked to cancers that start in nearby or distant organs, including:

TARGETED TREATMENTS FOR PROSTATE CANCER

The right treatment for Prostate cancer Depends On Where The Disease Is

The right treatment for prostate cancer depends on whether the cancer is contained within the prostate, has returned after previous treatment, or has spread to other parts of the body.

Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SABR)

A precise, high-dose radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer in the gland itself, or for specific sites where prostate cancer has spread. It is planned carefully around the bladder, bowel and surrounding tissue, with primary prostate SABR commonly delivered in five sessions.

Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy)

An operation to remove the prostate gland, usually considered when prostate cancer is contained within the prostate or has not spread widely. It can be an effective treatment, but possible effects on urinary control and erectile function need careful discussion.

Hormone Therapy and Systemic Treatment

Treatments that work throughout the body by lowering testosterone or blocking its effect on prostate cancer cells. They are often used with radiotherapy for higher-risk primary disease, and are central to care when prostate cancer has spread.

Conventional Radiotherapy

Conventional external beam radiotherapy treats the prostate using radiation delivered from outside the body over a longer course than SABR. It may be recommended for primary, locally advanced or higher-risk prostate cancer, often alongside hormone therapy.

WHAT IS SABR TREATMENT FOR PROSTATE CANCER

SABR Radiotherapy Treats Prostate Cancer With High Precision In Fewer Sessions

SABR radiotherapy delivers a high dose of radiation to a precisely planned treatment area, aiming to control or eradicate cancer while protecting nearby healthy tissue.

It can treat prostate cancer in the gland itself, or specific sites where prostate cancer has spread, such as lymph nodes or bone metastases. Detailed imaging is used before and during treatment to guide each session as accurately as possible.

Treatment is delivered using one of three systems:

THE BENEFITS OF SABR FOR PROSTATE CANCER

SABR Radiotherapy Can Treat Prostate Cancer Precisely While Protecting Daily Life

Prostate cancer treatment is not only about controlling disease. It is also about protecting the parts of life that matter every day, including urinary function, bowel comfort, sexual function, independence and time with the people who need you.

SABR radiotherapy can treat prostate cancer in the gland itself, or specific sites where prostate cancer has spread, using a highly focused dose of radiation. For primary prostate cancer, treatment is commonly completed in five sessions. For metastatic prostate cancer, SABR may be used to target visible sites of disease, such as lymph nodes or bone metastases, as part of a wider treatment plan.

The aim is to treat every site that can be safely targeted, while minimising symptoms and reducing unnecessary exposure to nearby healthy tissue.
Whether SABR is right for you depends on your PSA, biopsy results, scan findings, urinary symptoms, previous treatment and where the cancer is active. We will review your case carefully and give you a clear answer.

SABR is delivered from outside the body. There is no incision, no removal of the prostate and usually no overnight stay.

Primary prostate SABR is commonly delivered in five sessions, rather than several weeks of daily radiotherapy appointments.

The treatment plan is shaped around the prostate or metastatic site, with careful attention to nearby organs and healthy tissue.

For metastatic prostate cancer, SABR may target defined areas such as lymph nodes, spine, pelvis, ribs or other bone metastases.

SABR may be used with a wider treatment plan, including hormone therapy or other systemic treatments, depending on the diagnosis.

Suitability depends on the stage, grade, scans, symptoms and whether each treatment area can be safely targeted.

IS SABR RIGHT FOR YOU

When SABR May Be An Option For Primary Or Metastatic Prostate Cancer

The role of SABR depends on the detail of your diagnosis, but there are certain situations where it can make a meaningful difference. If any of these feel close to your current position, we can review your case and explain what may be possible.

SABR can treat cancer within the prostate without removing the gland. For suitable primary prostate cancer, treatment is often completed in five sessions.

When prostate cancer has spread to limited sites, SABR can target those areas as part of a wider treatment plan.

A second opinion can help clarify whether targeted treatment is still possible, based on your scans and wider treatment history.

If one or two sites are growing while treatment works elsewhere, SABR can target those areas without stopping the wider plan.

A rising PSA can signal recurrence. If scans show a limited area, targeted radiotherapy can treat it directly after review.

SABR is planned around the cancer and the nearby healthy tissue, with careful attention to urinary, bowel and sexual function wherever possible.

Possible Side Effects of Prostate SABR

What most patients experience during SABR treatment for Prostate Cancer

Side effects from prostate SABR are usually linked to the area being treated and how your body responds in the weeks after radiotherapy. Some symptoms can appear during treatment or soon afterwards, while others, such as changes to erections or late urinary and bowel effects, can develop more gradually over time.

Here is what should be discussed before treatment begins:

Urinary Side Effects

Bowel, Fatigue And Sexual Function

Your team will talk you through the likely benefits, possible side effects and what to do if symptoms develop. The aim is for you to begin treatment with clarity, not uncertainty.

Private Health Insurance

Check Whether Your Insurer Covers SABR

Many UK insurers cover radiotherapy when clinically recommended. Check with your insurer or cancer helpline before treatment begins.

Self-Funding Patients

Clear Costs Before Treatment Begins

If you are self-funding, we will explain the expected costs and what is included before any treatment is arranged.

International Patients

Support If You Are Coming From Elsewhere

If you are travelling for specialist SABR, we can help coordinate consultation, scan review and treatment planning.

Private Treatment Access and Payment Options

We Will Help You Understand Your Options Before You Decide

When you are facing prostate cancer treatment, the first priority is knowing whether SABR is right for your diagnosis and what it could realistically achieve.

Once that is clear, we will talk you through the practical side of accessing care. Whether you are insured, self-funding, or travelling for specialist treatment, you will understand the options available before making any decision.

Everything is explained personally after your consultation, including next steps, timing and costs, so you can move forward with clarity rather than added pressure.

Your Path To Treatment

What Happens From First Review To Follow-Up Care

From the first conversation, our team will help you understand what information is needed, whether SABR is appropriate, and how treatment would fit with your wider prostate cancer care.

Share Your Details

Send us your PSA history, biopsy results, scan reports, clinic letters or anything you already have. If something is missing, our team will explain what is needed.

Clinical Assessment

Your case is reviewed by a specialist who understands primary and metastatic prostate cancer, including when SABR is appropriate and when another route is safer.

Scan And Case Review

Your imaging is assessed to understand whether the cancer is in the prostate, has returned, or has spread to specific sites that can be safely targeted.

Personalised Treatment Plan

If SABR is appropriate, your treatment plan is built around the prostate or metastatic site, with careful attention to nearby organs and previous treatment.

Starting Treatment

Treatment is delivered as an outpatient over a short course. Primary prostate SABR is commonly given in five sessions, while metastatic sites vary by location.

Monitoring Over Time

Your response is monitored with PSA tests, clinical review and imaging where needed. We stay involved so you understand what each result means and what happens next.

Can I ask for a review without changing my current oncology team?

Yes. Many patients ask for a specialist opinion while remaining under their existing NHS or private team. A review can help you understand whether SABR has a role, without committing you to treatment.

Can I have a consultation before all my results are back?

Yes, but the advice could be provisional. A consultation can help you understand what information is still needed, what options might be relevant and whether further tests should be arranged.

What happens if SABR is not the right option?

You should still leave with a clear explanation. If SABR is not appropriate, the team can explain why and help you understand what other routes should be discussed with your oncology team.

Can I involve my family in the consultation?

Yes. Many patients bring a partner, relative or friend, especially when decisions feel complex. They can help ask questions, take notes and talk through the options afterwards.

Will my PSA be reviewed as part of the decision?

Yes. PSA history is important because the pattern over time can help show how the cancer is behaving. It is interpreted alongside imaging, biopsy results and previous treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

We Know You Have Questions. Here Are The Honest Answers.

When you are facing cancer treatment, every question matters. The answers below cover what patients most often ask us, but they are only a starting point.

If you are unsure about anything, our team will take the time to understand your situation, explain things clearly and help you feel more informed about your options.

Speak to the Team

Connect With Our Clinical Team

Whether you have a specific question or simply want to understand your options, our team will provide clear guidance and an honest assessment of what treatment could look like for you.

You can reach us by filling in the contact form or calling us directly.