Patient selection for prostate brachytherapy: more myth than fact.
Prostate brachytherapy efficacy and morbidity are primarily dependent on implant quality and patient management. While most alleged contraindications to brachytherapy have been propagated based on physician bias rather than clinical data, a number of evidence-based factors contributing to radiation-related morbidity have accumulated. Refinements in patient selection may result in further improvements in biochemical and quality-of-life outcomes. Herein, we have summarized evidence-based vs unsubstantiated patient selection factors that affect outcome.
Merrick
Gregory S
GS
Schiffler Cancer Center, Wheeling Hospital, Wheeling Jesuit University, Wheeling, West Virginia 26003-6300, USA. SchifflerCancerCenter@wheelinghospital.com
Wallner
Kent E
KE
Butler
Wayne M
WM
D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001918:Brachytherapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018579:Patient Selection; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy*
D000726:Androgen Antagonists