[Brachytherapy of the prostate]

To present our results with brachytherapy in the treatment of localized cancer of the prostate.

From September 1999 to April 2000, 20 patients with T1 and T2 cancer of the prostate were treated with brachytherapy. The method utilized is described and the results are presented. The advantages of iodine-125 implantation using transrectal ultrasound are discussed.

The morbidity was low and were mild irritative symptoms of the lower urinary tract that were managed without difficulty with medical treatment. Determination of PSA three months after the procedure showed good results in 80% of the cases.

There is an increasing number of cases diagnosed with localized cancer of the prostate. Good results have been achieved with radical surgery and radiotherapy. Although the number of patients with 10 years follow-up is small, brachytherapy of the prostate has achieved good results with a low morbidity. This therapeutic modality should be offered to the patient with localized cancer of the prostate and the patient allowed to decide on the type of treatment.