Novel prostate brachytherapy technique: improved dosimetric and clinical outcome.

Purpose: Erectile dysfunction following prostate brachytherapy is reported to be related to dose received by the penile bulb. To minimise this, whilst preserving prostate dosimetry, we have developed a technique for I-125 seed brachytherapy using both stranded seeds and loose seeds delivered with a Mick applicator, and implanted via the sagittal plane on trans-rectal ultrasound.

Materials And Methods: Post-implant dosimetry and potency rates were compared in 120 potent patients.

Biochemical (prostate-specific antigen) relapse-free survival and toxicity after 125I low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy.

Objective: To report our clinical experience and 5-year prostate-specific antigen (PSA) relapse-free survival rate for early-stage prostate cancer after (125)I low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy.

Patients And Methods: In all, 300 patients were treated between March 1999 and April 2003, and followed prospectively. Patients were stratified into low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups, and those receiving neoadjuvant androgen deprivation (NAAD) or not.

Management of prostate cancer. Part 3: metastatic disease.

Despite the increased detection of prostate cancer at an early stage, men are still dying of this disease. Management of advanced disease focuses on controlling the disease process, palliation of symptoms and improving quality of life. In this review, the basis for androgen deprivation in hormone-dependent disease is discussed and the role of maximum and intermittent androgen deprivation, as well as management options for hormone-refractory disease is addressed.

Management of prostate cancer. Part 2: localized and locally advanced disease.

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent nondermatological malignancy affecting men in the Western world. An increase in public awareness has led to earlier detection. Accepted treatments for localized prostate cancer include active surveillance, radical prostatectomy, interstitial brachytherapy, external beam radiotherapy and watchful waiting.