prostate brachytherapy: a review of current practice

Abstract

There is currently great interest in the treatment of prostate cancer due to its increasing profile in the older male population. In recent years brachytherapy has become a viable treatment option. Low dose rate implants using permanently implanted radioactive seeds and high dose rate treatments using afterloading machines are two methods regularly used for the treatment of this disease. Both techniques require close integration between imaging and the placement of the radioactive sources. Future developments in imaging will lead to improved targeting of the radiation to diseased areas of the prostate and interactive treatment planning. This review paper describes the current status of the treatment of prostate cancer by brachytherapy, references current published results and examines radiation protection issues.

Characterization of ultrasound elevation beamwidth artifacts for prostate brachytherapy needle insertion

“…The needle tip position is tracked in transversal plane of a TRUS. When inserted to the correct cancer site in the prostate, the radioactive seeds are deposited (in LDR) 2,3 or therapeutic radiation sources are delivered using and afterloading device to the tumor (in HDR).…”

A critical evaluation of the clinical value of high-dose rate brachytherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer

“…4 Some centres use multiple implants for each fraction, but this necessitates the patient going through the procedure again. Radiobiologically HDR brachytherapy is similar to fractionated external beam radiation therapy, therefore to reduce the effects on normal tissues HDR has to be fractionated.…”

“…The most important factor is the reproducibility of the implant geometry and dosimetry for each fraction. 4 Some centres use multiple implants for each fraction, but this necessitates the patient going through the procedure again. This method, however may be more accurate if the geometry of the implant is matched with the previous one, as there is no risk of the catheters moving.…”

Studies on the development of 169 Yb-brachytherapy seeds: New generation brachytherapy sources for the management of cancer

“…Low dose rate implants using permanently implanted radioactive seeds and high dose rate treatments using afterloading machines are two methods regularly used in brachytherapy practices. Both techniques require close integration between imaging and the placement of the radioactive sources (Bownes and Flynn, 2004). Different techniques like electrodeposition, impregnation of radioactivity into ceramics/resins, ion implantation etc., are adapted by different manufacturers for fabrication of these sources (Bret et al, 2001).…”