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A New Technique for Treating Low-risk Prostate Cancer—Super Active Surveillance
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Focal brachytherapy for selected low-risk prostate cancers: a pilot study
Jean-Marc Cosset1, Xavier Cathelineau, Georges Wakil
1Department of Oncology/Radiotherapy, Institut Curie, Paris, France. jean-marc.cosset@curie.net
Brachytherapy
|April 23, 2013
Summary
Focal brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer is feasible and shows low acute toxicity. This targeted approach demonstrated improved erectile function recovery and minimal urinary or rectal side effects in selected patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Urology
Background:
- Prostate cancer treatment often involves whole-gland therapies.
- Focal brachytherapy offers a targeted approach for localized tumors.
- Patient selection is critical for focal treatment success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of focal brachytherapy for select prostate cancer patients.
- To evaluate the early toxicity profile of this focal treatment modality.
- To compare outcomes with whole-prostate brachytherapy.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-one highly selected patients with localized prostate cancer underwent focal brachytherapy.
- Treatment involved real-time implantation of Iodine-125 seeds with dynamic dose calculation.
- A prescribed dose of 145Gy was delivered to the focal tumor volume.
Main Results:
- The mean treated prostatic volume was 34%.
- Focal brachytherapy showed borderline reduced urinary toxicity and better erectile function recovery compared to whole-gland treatment.
- Minimal rectal and urinary incontinence were observed.
Conclusions:
- Focal brachytherapy is a feasible treatment for carefully selected prostate cancer patients.
- The procedure is associated with low acute toxicity.
- Further studies are required to confirm long-term tumor control and toxicity.
