[Brachytherapy in cancer of the urethra]

Carcinomas of the male and female urethra are serious cancers because they frequently present late with lymph node involvement. Brachytherapy plays a significant role, often associated with external beam irradiation and surgery, in the conservative management of these tumors. This radiation treatment uses a catheter or a vaginal mould applicator for intraluminal/intracavity brachytherapy, and hypodermic needles or guide gutters for the interstitial portion. The radioactive source usually employed is iridium 192. The total dose administered is usually between 60 and 70 Gy. Disease free survival is 50%, local control 70%, and the complication rate is 20%.