Permanent Implantation as Brachytherapy Technique for Prostate Carcinoma-Review of Clinical Trials and Guidelines

Georgakopoulos      J.; Zygogianni      A.; Papadopoulos      G.; Papandreou      N.; Kouvaris      J.; Armonis      V.; Kelekis      N.; Kouloulias      V.

Abstract

Brachytherapy nowadays has become a widely accepted treatment modality in the management of localized prostate cancer. With recent improvements in ultra-sound technology, imaging, treatment planning and post-implant dosimetry, permanent implantation has become minimally invasive, well tolerated, and safe and most importantly has progressed to a treatment modality comparable to external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and radical prostatectomy. Multiple studies have proven the efficacy of brachytherapy analyzing also its superiority in health related quality of life; especially in potency preservation after treatment.

Keywords: Prostate cancer, radiotherapy, brachytherapy, permanent implantation, review.