The Effect of Radiation Therapy on Outcomes After Artificial Urinary Sphincter

Abstract

Sixteen percent of 4D patients received external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) followed by brachytherapy boost compared with 17% in the 2-stage group, which was employed with higher risk cancer. Thirty-three percent of 4D patients received hormones versus 42% of 2-stage patients. Fourteen percent and 13% of 4D and 2-stage patients received hormone therapy and EBRT. There was a significant improvement in the postimplant dosimetry and toxicity for 4D brachytherapy over the standard 2-stage technique. Conclusion: We have demonstrated improved dosimetry across all parameters irrespective of prostate size, an improvement in urinary toxicity, and improved biochemical control. Four-dimensional brachytherapy takes approximately 35 minutes to perform, similar to the time taken for the second stage of a preplanned implant.