[Brachytherapy in prostatic adenocarcinoma]

Abstract

Brachytherapy can represent the exclusive treatment of localized prostatic adenocarcinoma. Several techniques have been described: permanent implantations with 125-iodine or 198-gold seeds or temporary implantations with 192-iridium. These implantations are performed either via a retropubic approach, often combined with pelvic lymphadenectomy, or via a transperineal approach, with or without ultrasound guidance. The largest clinical experience is from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, with 1119 patients treated from 1970 to 1985 for stage B or C prostatic adenocarcinoma with pelvic lymph node dissection and interstitial iodine-125 brachytherapy. The 15-year overall local control is 51%. One of the strongest prognostic factors is lymph node involvement. The comparison between brachytherapy and other treatment modalities such as radical prostatectomy or external irradiation or even expectant management in localized tumors has never been performed prospectively. This type of randomized trial appears to be necessary in the assessment of the results published with brachytherapy.