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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
08:34
Proton Therapy Delivery and Its Clinical Application in Select Solid Tumor Malignancies
Published on: February 6, 2019
The current role of imaging for prostate brachytherapy
1Radiology Department, Cookridge Hospital, Leeds, LS16 6QB, UK. brendan.carey@leedsth.nhs.uk
Summary
Prostate brachytherapy, an imaging-guided radiotherapy for early prostate cancer, offers high, conformal doses. This technique provides favorable and durable outcomes, highlighting the radiologist
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Prostate brachytherapy is a radiotherapy technique for early-stage prostate cancer.
- It utilizes imaging guidance to precisely place radioactive sources within the prostate gland.
- Transrectal ultrasound facilitates a template-guided transperineal approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of imaging in prostate brachytherapy.
- To emphasize the contribution of imaging to patient selection, treatment delivery, and follow-up.
- To correlate imaging's role with current outcomes data for this radiotherapy technique.
Main Methods:
- Template-guided transperineal brachytherapy.
- Real-time imaging guidance, primarily transrectal ultrasound.
- Collaboration between Radiology, Radiation Oncology, and Medical Physics.
Main Results:
- Prostate brachytherapy enables highly conformal radiotherapy delivery.
- Higher radiation doses are achievable compared to other techniques.
- Maturing data confirms favorable and durable biochemical outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Prostate brachytherapy is an established and effective treatment for early prostate cancer.
- Imaging plays a critical role throughout the entire treatment process.
- Close multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for successful outcomes.
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