[The role of permanent brachytherapy in the treatment of localized prostate carcinoma].

The popularity of permanent brachytherapy is now growing dramatically. The development of several new technologies has led to an improvement in dose distribution and results and can also return the patients to normal daily activities. The role of permanent brachytherapy in the treatment of localized prostate carcinoma is described in the present article. Indications and contraindications and a comparison of the results with other modalities of treatment are discussed. Emphasis is also placed on the morbidity of the treatment and the quality of life, which plays a very important role in the process of making a decision as to which therapy should be applied. Permanent brachytherapy is most often used separately, but in certain cases may be combined with external radiotherapy and hormonal treatment.