Do theoretical potential and advanced technology justify the use of high-dose rate brachytherapy as monotherapy for prostate cancer?. Issue 1 (January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zaorsky, Nicholas G; Doyle, Laura A; Hurwitz, Mark D; Dicker, Adam P; Den, Robert B
• Is Part Of: Expert review of anticancer therapy. Volume 14:Issue 1(2014)
• Page Start: 39
• Page End: 50
• Publication Date: 2014-01
• Subjects: brachytherapy -- prostate cancer -- quality of life -- toxicity; Cancer -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.99406
• DOI: 10.1586/14737140.2013.836303
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7140

Abstract

Abstract : Low-dose rate brachytherapy (LDR-BT), involving implantation of radioactive seeds into the prostate, is an established monotherapy for most low-risk and select intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer patients. High-dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) is an advanced technology theorized to be more advantageous than LDR-BT from a radiobiological and radiophysics perspective, to the patient himself, and in terms of resource allocation. Studies of HDR-BT monotherapy have encouraging results in terms of biochemical control, patient survival, treatment toxicity and erectile preservation. However, there are still certain limitations that preclude recommending HDR-BT monotherapy for prostate cancer outside the setting of a clinical trial. HDR-BT monotherapy should be considered experimental at present.