Dawn of prostate brachytherapy: 1915-1930.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the origins of prostate brachytherapy.


METHODS
A review of contemporary journals and texts was conducted.


RESULTS
Prostate brachytherapy was performed frequently by leading urologists before 1930. Both temporary and permanent implant techniques were developed using radium and radon through intracavitary and interstitial approaches. Transperineal implantation of permanent sources was first performed 80 years ago.


CONCLUSIONS
Prostate brachytherapy has its origins in the early part of the last century.
Aronowitz
Jesse N
JN
Department of Radiation Oncology and Urology, Upstate Medical University, State University of New York, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA. aronowij@upstate.edu
D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000266:history* / Q000379:methods; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009717:Numismatics / Q000266:history; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000266:history; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000266:history* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D014481:United States