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GEC/ESTRO-EAU recommendations on temporary brachytherapy using stepping sources for localised prostate cancer
György Kovács1, Richard Pötter, Tillmann Loch
1Interdisciplinary Brachytherapy Centre, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold Heller Str 9, D-24105 Kiel, Germany.
Summary
This paper provides updated guidelines for prostate brachytherapy using template and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided transperineal interstitial implants. These recommendations aim to standardize temporary interstitial prostate brachytherapy for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Prostate cancer treatment often involves external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and interstitial brachytherapy (BT).
- Temporary transperineal BT is explored as a boost, palliative, or salvage treatment for localized or recurrent prostate cancer.
- Monotherapy with temporary BT is under active clinical investigation.
Framework:
- Presents GEC/ESTRO-EAU recommendations for template and TRUS-guided transperineal temporary interstitial prostate brachytherapy.
- Developed by experts in prostate brachytherapy on behalf of GEC/ESTRO and EAU.
- Approved by GEC/ESTRO and EAU committee members.
Implementation:
- Details recommendations for pre-treatment investigations and patient selection.
- Covers equipment, facilities, clinical team roles, and implant procedures (planning, needle implantation).
- Addresses dose, fractionation, reporting, side effect management, and follow-up protocols.
Implications:
- Recommendations are advisory, with ultimate medical responsibility resting with the treating physician.
- Highlights the evolving nature of TRUS and template-guided prostate brachytherapy.
- Emphasizes that recommendations are subject to modification based on emerging data.