Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Proton Therapy Delivery and Its Clinical Application in Select Solid Tumor Malignancies
Published on: February 6, 2019
[Brachytherapy combined with external beam radiation in localized prostate cancer]
Haim Matzkin1, Nicola Mabjeesh, Amira Stenger
1Department of Urology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. hmatzkin@tasmc.health.gov.il
Background & Rationale:
A combination of brachytherapy with external beam radiotherapy is one treatment option for localized moderately to poorly differentiated prostate cancer. This article presents initial Israeli experience with this treatment option.
Methods:
In the last 6 years, 56 men were treated with a combination of internal brachytherapy, external beam radiation and 6 months adjuvant hormonotherapy. All were prospectively followed while using validated questionnaires to assess urinary morbidity and sexual function.
Results:
Treatment was well tolerated by all. None had grade 2-3 rectal morbidity. Mild to moderate urinary morbidity was seen in most, not different than seen in radiation therapy when given as monotherapy. Sexual function was only mildly affected. Biochemical NED (PSA based) rates albeit for a rather short follow-up period, were similar to those seen when utilizing other radical treatment options.
Conclusions:
Combining I125-brachytherapy with external beam radiation together with a short course of hormonotherapy results in acceptable morbidity and good biochemical outcome. This option should be offered to selected patients with higher grade localized prostate cancer, when other options are less optimal.
