[Prostate brachytherapy: indications and outcomes]

Abstract

Introduction: To summarize the indications and outcomes of low dose-rate prostate brachytherapy with permanent implants.

Methods: Bibliographic database PubMed was searched with prostate cancer and brachytherapy as keywords from 1995 to 2012.

Results: The main indication of prostate brachytherapy is the favorable group, but it could be proposed to patients with an intermediate prognostic group if the PSA is ≤ 15 ng/mL or if the Gleason score is 7 (3+4), under cover of a prostate MRI without any extra-capsular extension. Oncologic results are similar to those of surgery or external beam irradiation (EBRT), with a 10-yr biochemical control rate approaching 90%. Urinary toxicity is common during the year following the implant, mainly irritative symptoms; 5 to 15% of patients experienced acute urinary retention. A prostate volume higher than 50 cc or an initial high international prostatic symptom score (IPSS) are predictive of toxicity and are recognized as relative contraindications of the technique. Sexual activity is maintained in 60% of patients.

Conclusion: Brachytherapy must be proposed as a validated option beside active surveillance, surgery and EBRT.