Iodine-125 low-dose rate prostate brachytherapy.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Urology

Background:

• Robotic-assisted surgery and radiation therapy are standard localized prostate cancer treatments.
• Iodine-125 (I-125) low-dose rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy (BT) is an established treatment option.
• Despite its use, I-125 LDR BT faces ongoing controversies and questions regarding its application and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements and developments in Iodine-125 (I-125) low-dose rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy (BT).
• To address the controversies and unresolved issues associated with I-125 LDR BT in localized prostate cancer management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent developments in I-125 LDR prostate brachytherapy.
• Synthesis of current evidence regarding treatment indications, follow-up, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• I-125 LDR BT is an established treatment for localized prostate cancer.
• Key areas of ongoing debate include combination therapy, PSA follow-up, postimplant biopsy significance, salvage BT, focal therapy, toxicity reduction, and secondary bladder cancer risk.

Conclusions:

• Recent developments in I-125 LDR BT require careful consideration of its established role and ongoing controversies.
• Further research and consensus are needed to optimize I-125 LDR BT indications, management, and patient outcomes.