Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer

Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer

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By Ratan-NM, M. Pharm.Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Logan, MD, MPH

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• How does brachytherapy work?
• What are the types of brachytherapy?
• Temporary prostate brachytherapy
• Permanent prostate brachytherapy
• What are the side effects of brachytherapy?
• What are the contraindications for brachytherapy?

Prostate brachytherapy (BT) is a form of radiation therapy used to treat prostate cancer. The technique involves placing encapsulated radioisotopes inside or nearby the tumor.  The radioactive substances used in BT focus the radiation dose specifically to the target cancer cells. By placing the radiation close to cancer cells, less damage is conferred to the surrounding healthy tissue. To achieve the best outcome with BT, the target tissue should be clinically demarcated and accessible.

BT has proved to be an effective and safe procedure for localised cancer - it is not suitable for cancer that has metastasized or spread to the lymph nodes or to other parts of the body. It is a good alternative to prostatectomy or surgical removal of the prostate. BT can also be a treatment option for patients suffering from different concomitant diseases, especially heart disease - which is a major contraindication for surgical treatment.

BT also reduces the risk of developing long-term side effects that are commonly observed with prostatectomy. It is associated with a smaller risk of developing impotency and urinary problems. BT can be used in patients who do not want to undergo surgery due to personal preferences.

BT can be used as a monotherapy in primary tumor or as salvage treatment in recurrent cases. Salvage therapy or rescue therapy, is recommended when cancer does not respond to a standard therapy. BT can be used in combination with the external beam radiation therapy as a dose escalation tool too.