Related Experiment Videos
Saving bladders with brachytherapy: implantation technique and results
Elzbieta M Van der Steen-Banasik1, Andries G Visser, Janny G Reinders
1Joint Center for Radiation Oncology, Arnhem-Nijmegen, Radian-Arti, Wagnerlaan 47, 6815 AD Arnhem, The Netherlands. e.vandersteen@Radian.nl
Summary
Brachytherapy combined with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) offers a high cure rate for solitary bladder tumors, preserving the bladder with minimal toxicity in selected patients.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Radiation Oncology
- Oncology
Background:
- Bladder cancer treatment often involves radical cystectomy.
- Bladder preservation strategies are crucial for improving patient quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of brachytherapy combined with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for solitary bladder tumors.
- To report treatment outcomes including local control, survival rates, and bladder preservation.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 63 patients with solitary bladder tumors (T1-T3a) were treated with transurethral resection, EBRT, and interstitial brachytherapy.
- Brachytherapy utilized Cesium-137 needles or Iridium-192 afterloading catheters.
- Treatment doses and follow-up protocols were standardized.
Main Results:
- A 70% local control rate was achieved in the overall patient population.
- The 5-year disease-specific survival rates were 80% for T1 and 60% for T2 stages.
- Forty-four bladders were successfully preserved, with only minor acute complications reported.
Conclusions:
- Combined brachytherapy and EBRT is an effective bladder-sparing treatment for selected patients with solitary bladder tumors.
- This approach yields high cure rates and acceptable toxicity profiles.
- Salvage cystectomy demonstrated an 80% local control rate for recurrent disease.