Radiation therapy has been reported as an effective modality for the curative management of localized prostate carcinoma. In a 6 year period (1982-87), 141 patients with localized prostate carcinoma were treated at Auckland Hospital. Most patients were given radiation to the prostate alone. The overall local failure rate was 14%, with 57 patients developing distant metastases at the time of analysis. Toxicity was generally acceptable but was clearly related to the size of the treatment volume. The 5 year actuarial survival for all patients was 69.5%. Relapse-free survival rate was 39% at 5 years. Clinical stage and histological differentiation were significant factors affecting survival. Histology was a significant factor in local control. Radiation therapy for localized prostate carcinoma is effective, with a high rate of local control and low morbidity.