SHOULD BRACHYTHERAPY BE CONSIDERED A THERAPEUTIC OPTION IN LOCALIZED PROSTATE-CANCER

Contemporary prostate brachytherapy incorporates advances in computer analysis, imaging technology, and delivery apparatus, allowing exactin g and reproducible results compared with historical approaches. The ad vances permit brachytherapy to be performed on a cost-effective, outpa tient basis with low morbidity in the appropriately selected patient. Although unsettled questions remain regarding dosimetric issues, long- term outcomes, and morbidity, the weight of evidence to date appears t o support the use of brachytherapy in selected patients. Brachytherapy may be considered a therapeutic option: as monotherapy for early-stag e disease and also as a boost following moderate doses of external bea m irradiation for locally advanced disease.