Combined iridium 192 interstitial and external beam radiation therapy for the treatment of prostatic cancer

Twenty-four patients with clinically palpable prostatic adenocarcinoma (stage B or C) were treated with a combination of interstitial radiation therapy and external beam radiation therapy following pelvic lymphadenectomy for accurate staging. Early results indicate a complete clinical response rate at 12 months of 77%, with a 4% complication rate (persisting rectal ulceration).