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Updated: Aug 21, 2026
Transperineal Prostate Biopsy Using a Cone-shaped Double-hole Method with Dual-plane Probe Guidance
Published on: June 6, 2025
Transperineal TRUS-guided prostate brachytherapy using loose seeds versus RAPIDStrand: a dosimetric analysis
Humberto M Fagundes1, Richard J Keys, Mary F Wojcik
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, 3015 North Ballas Road, St. Louis, MO 63131, USA. hmf8@bjc.org
Purpose:
An analysis of the effect of stranded (125)I and loose (predominantly (103)Pd) sources on dosimetric outcomes of brachytherapy of the prostate.
Methods And Materials:
Between September 1998 and December 2003, 473 patients were treated with brachytherapy for biopsy-proven carcinoma of the prostate. Of these, 337 (71%) procedures were performed using free seeds placed with a Mick applicator. Beginning in April 2002, a program of stranded (125)I sources (RAPIDStrand) was implemented; 136 (29%) patients were treated via this approach. Dosimetric variables were collected, as were events of urinary retention.
Results:
Mean V100 values for the stranded (125)I approach were greater than those for free seeds (p < 0.0005), whether (125)I or (103)Pd (p < 0.005). Use of the strand was the most significant determinant of V100 of all variables examined. The stranded (125)I approach was also associated with higher mean D90 values and lower V150-urethral doses.
Conclusions:
Use of stranded (125)I was associated with superior dosimetric outcomes in this group of patients.
