This study is a large, prospective, pragmatic, controlled comparison of patient-centric outcomes [quality of life (QOL), toxicity, and disease control] between parallel cohorts of men with prostate cancer treated simultaneously at proton therapy facilities and at geographically similar conventional (photon-based) radiation facilities using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) techniques. This study includes a pre-specified randomized comparison of standard fractionation and moderate hypofractionation dose schemes within the proton therapy cohort. In addition, subgroup analyses will include a comparison of outcomes by race (Black vs. White), comorbidity score (0 vs. 1+), age (<65 vs. ≥65), fractionation schedule (standard, moderate, ultra-hypofractionation), and prostate cancer aggressiveness (very low and low, intermediate, and high risk) for all objectives.
All interventions will be standard of care (SOC) radiation strategies using either IMRT or proton therapy. All patient-reported QOL, patient-scored and patient-reported toxicity, and disease control assessments will be SOC. Participants will also complete pretreatment surveys regarding demographic data, personal treatment goals, factors affecting treatment decision-making, and sources of information used in treatment selection.