Treatment of localized prostate cancer using a combination of high dose rate Iridium-192 brachytherapy and external beam irradiation: Initial Australian experience

Authors: Stevens, MJ¹; Stricker, PD²; Saalfeld, J¹; Brenner, PC²; Kooner, R²; O'Neill, GFA²; Duval, PJ²; Jagavkar, RS²; Cross, P.²; Martland, J¹

Source: Australasian Radiology, Volume 47, Number 2, June 2003 , pp. 152-160(9)

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

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Abstract:

Summary

Combination high dose rate brachytherapy (HDRB) and external beam radiation therapy is technically and clinically feasible as definitive treatment for localized prostate cancer. We report the first large Australian experience using this technique of radiation dose escalation in 82 patients with intermediate- and high-risk disease. With a median follow up of 3 years (156 weeks), complications were low and overall prostate-specific antigen progression-free survival was 91% using the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology consensus definition. The delivery of hypofractionated radiation through the HDRB component shortens overall treatment time and is both biologically and logistically advantageous. As a radiation boost strategy, HDRB is easy to learn and could be introduced into most facilities with brachytherapy capability.

Keywords: high dose rate brachytherapy; prostate cancer; radiation therapy

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1046/j.0004-8461.2003.01143.x

Affiliations: 1: Royal North Shore Hospital and 2: St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia

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