Long-term oncologic outcomes of radical prostatectomy compared with brachytherapy-based approaches for intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer

For intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer, brachytherapy-based approaches provide superior long-term oncologic and functional outcomes. Irritative and obstructive symptoms are prominent in the first 6-12 months but resolve by 3 years for all but <5%. High-risk patients do very well with multimodality treatment combining external beam radiotherapy, a brachytherapy boost, and androgen deprivation for 9-12 months.