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Permanent prostate brachytherapy: is supplemental external-beam radiation therapy necessary?
Gregory S Merrick1, Kent E Wallner, Wayne M Butler
1Schiffler Cancer Center, Wheeling Jesuit University, Wheeling, West Virginia 26003-6300, USA. gmerrick@wheelinghospital.com
Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.)
|June 3, 2006
Summary
Permanent prostate brachytherapy is effective for localized prostate cancer. Further trials are needed to determine if supplemental external-beam radiation therapy improves outcomes or increases side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Urology
Background:
- Permanent prostate brachytherapy offers effective treatment for localized prostate cancer.
- Current evidence lacks prospective randomized trials on supplemental external-beam radiation therapy (XRT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role and necessity of supplemental XRT in conjunction with permanent prostate brachytherapy.
- To address the lack of evidence-based treatment algorithms for combined therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and outcomes data for brachytherapy with and without supplemental XRT.
- Analysis of biochemical outcomes, morbidity profiles, and quality of life.
Main Results:
- Brachytherapy alone shows favorable biochemical outcomes, even in higher-risk patients.
- Supplemental XRT's benefit remains unproven and may negatively impact long-term quality of life.
Conclusions:
- The addition of XRT to brachytherapy requires further investigation through ongoing trials.
- Supplemental XRT may be considered for select high-risk patients with potential seminal vesicle or lymph node involvement.
