ABSTRACT
Introduction 11
Planning for the Implant 12
Implant Procedure 13
Postimplant Guidelines 22
Postimplant CT-Based Dosimetry 23
Prostate Brachytherapy Results 23
Complications of Brachytherapy 24
References 27
INTRODUCTION
The treatment of localized prostate cancer now includes a number of minimally
invasive modalities that offer similar efficacy as open surgery but with decreased
morbidity when compared to standard therapies. Brachytherapy, or prostate seed
implantation, is an attractive option for treating T1-T3 prostate cancer because it
can be performed in a short period of time with minimal technical difficulty.
Studies reporting favorable biochemical freedom from failure rates, low positive
prostate biopsy rates, and diminished treatment related morbidity have helped to
convince both patients and practitioners that this treatment option should be
offered as routinely as radical prostatectomy and external beam irradiation (1-6).
