Prostate localization for the treatment planning of prostate cancer: a comparison of two techniques

Two methods for localizing prostatic tissue for radiotherapy treatment planning are compared. The first method, using placement of gold "seed" in the urogenital diaphragm, is shown by CT scanning to accurately mark the prostatic apex. The other technique, in use at the Cross Cancer Institute for the past 18 months, employs a more rapid, less invasive method of retrograde contrast instillation. Both techniques yield equally precise localization of the prostate for subsequent treatment planning.