Permanent prostate brachytherapy has been practiced for more than a century.
This review examines the influence of earlier procedures on the modern transperineal ultrasound-directed technique. A literature review was conducted to examine the origin of current clinical practice. The dimensions of the modern brachytherapy seed, the prescription dose, and implant/teletherapy sequencing are vestigial features, which may be suboptimal in the current era of low-energy photon-emitting radionuclides and computerized dose calculations. Although the modern transperineal permanent prostate implant procedure has proven to be safe and effective, it should undergo continuous re-evaluation and evolution to ensure that its potential is maximized.
Written by:
Aronowitz JN, Rivard MJ. Are you the author?
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
Reference: J Contemp Brachytherapy. 2013 Jun;5(2):89-92.
doi: 10.5114/jcb.2013.35562
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23878553
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