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Global practice patterns in prostate brachytherapy: Results from the ENCOMPASS survey
Joel Poder1, Mira Keyes2, Alfonso Gomez Iturriaga3
1St. George Hospital Cancer Care Centre, Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia; School of Physics, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Medical Radiation Physics, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia; St. George & Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia.
Global prostate brachytherapy (BT) practices show significant international variation. Harmonizing guidelines and conducting prospective studies are crucial for improving consistency in this radiation oncology treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Therapy
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Prostate brachytherapy (BT) is a key radiation oncology modality.
- Understanding global practice patterns is essential for quality improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize international prostate brachytherapy (BT) practice patterns.
- To evaluate practice variation and identify opportunities for guideline harmonization.
Main Methods:
- A 75-item survey was distributed internationally via professional societies.
- Responses from radiation oncologists and medical physicists detailed departmental characteristics, BT utilization, and techniques.
- Data were summarized descriptively to analyze practice variations.
Main Results:
- 116 institutions participated, primarily from North America and Europe.
- Prescription regimens and androgen-deprivation therapy durations showed heterogeneity.
- While transrectal ultrasound was common for planning, only 46% used fused diagnostic imaging for lesion definition.
Conclusions:
- Significant international variability exists in prostate brachytherapy practices.
- Heterogeneity in techniques and prescriptions necessitates harmonized guidelines.
- Further prospective studies and global collaboration are recommended.
