Interstitial Brachytherapy (LDR-Brachytherapy) in the Treatment of Patients with Prostate Cancer

ObjectivesAs the number of patients with prostate cancer treated with permanent radioactive implants is increasing world wide, long-term data on tumor control and treatment morbidity become available.MaterialsBiochemical and clinical tumor control appears to be as effective as after radical prostatectomy or external beam radiation therapy in early prostate cancer.ResultsThe risk of posttreatment urinary incontinence and bowel dysfunction is low and erectile function can be preserved in the majority of patients. However, prostate brachytherapy requires a careful selection of patients as pretreatment factors predict for long-term outcome.The need for combined modality approaches in intermediate and high risk patients remains controversely discussed.The continuous refinement of intraoperative planning techniques and the elucidation of the etiology of urinary, sexual and bowel dysfunction should result in further improvements in biochemical outcomes and decreased morbidity.ConclusionsImproved and standardized postimplantation evaluation will make outcome data more reliable and comparable.