ABSTRACT
Prostatic disease, malignant or benign, is relatively common in men over 50 years of age. The anatomical location of the prostate permits various approaches to be used for treating localized prostatic disease with hyperthermia. Intracavitary approaches to the prostate are possible through either the rectum or urethera. In addition, the prostate may be implanted interstitially using a perineal approach. Although the biological rationale for treating malignant tumors with hyperthermia is well established, recent evidence suggests that hyperthermia may also be useful in the management of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cancer of the prostate is the second most common tumor in men over 55 years old and the third leading cause of death in males from cancer. Almost all prostate cancers are adenocarcinoma, generally located in the periphery and posterior aspects of the prostate. The prostate is accessible through two intracavitary approaches: hyperthermia applicators may be inserted either through the rectum or through the urethra.
