Radiation Safety of Receptive Anal Intercourse with Prostate Cancer Patients Treated with Low-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy

Abstract

PURPOSE-Prostate low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy involves implantation of radioactive seeds permanently into the prostate gland. During receptive anal intercourse, the penis of the partner may come in close proximity to the implanted prostate gland. We estimate the potential intrarectal dose rates and suggest guidance on radiation precautions.METHODS AND MATERIALS-One hundred two patients were included in the study. After implantation, with patients under anesthesia in the dorsal lithotomy position, a new set of ultrasound (US) images and a CT scan were obtained. The images were fused, radioactive seeds and US probe locations were determined on the CT, and prostate, bladder, and rectal contours were drawn on the US. Dose rates (cGy/h) were calculated for the portion of the US probe spanning the prostate for several dose-volume histogram parameters.RESULTS-Twenty patients were treated with 125 I and 82 patients with 103 Pd. Average dose rates at Day 0 to the portion of the US probe spanning the prostate were 2.1 ± 1.3 cGy/h and 2.5 ± 0.8 cGy/h for patients treated with 125 I and 103 Pd, respectively. After 60 days, average calculated probe dose drops to 1.0 ± 0.6 cGy/h and 0.2 ± 0.1 cGy/h for 125 I and 103 Pd, respectively. CONCLUSIONS-During the immediate weeks after prostate seed implant, the estimated intrarectal dose rates are higher in 103 Pd compared to 125 I. As 103 Pd decays faster than 125 I, 2 months after the implant, radiation exposure from 103 Pd becomes lower than 125 I. Receptive anal intercourse time should be kept as low as possible during 2 and 6 months after low-dose-rate brachytherapy of the prostate with 103 Pd and 125 I, respectively.

Improving the Clinical Treatment of Vulnerable Populations in Radiation Oncology

“…56 Unique precautions after brachytherapy seed implantation for prostate cancer have been detailed; one study recommended minimizing receptive anal intercourse in the immediate postimplantation period owing to safety concerns of exposure of the penis of the other partner. 57 In breast cancer survivors, attitudes of breast reconstruction among lesbian women undergoing mastectomy has been reported; communication should be evaluated to reduce heterosexist bias. 58 The decision to undergo breast reconstruction is value-laden and may be influenced by sexual orientation or gender identity.…”