Androgen deprivation-mediated cytoreduction before interstitial brachytherapy for prostate cancer does not abrogate the elevated risk of urinary morbidity associated with larger initial prostate volume

Patients who achieved smaller prostate volumes through the use of AD maintained a significantly elevated risk (threefold) for urinary complications, commensurate with their initially large prostate volume, when compared with a control group of patients who were implanted at identical prostate volumes but who had not received AD. Therefore, patients presenting with larger prostate glands that would warrant a short course of AD before implant should be counseled accordingly when discussing options for local therapy.