title: Transperineal TRUS-guided prostate brachytherapy using loose seeds versus RAPIDStrand: a dosimetric analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  An analysis of the effect of stranded (125)I and loose (predominantly (103)Pd) sources on dosimetric outcomes of brachytherapy of the prostate.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between September 1998 and December 2003, 473 patients were treated with brachytherapy for biopsy-proven carcinoma of the prostate. Of these, 337 (71%) procedures were performed using free seeds placed with a Mick applicator. Beginning in April 2002, a program of stranded (125)I sources (RAPIDStrand) was implemented; 136 (29%) patients were treated via this approach. Dosimetric variables were collected, as were events of urinary retention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean V100 values for the stranded (125)I approach were greater than those for free seeds (p < 0.0005), whether (125)I or (103)Pd (p < 0.005). Use of the strand was the most significant determinant of V100 of all variables examined. The stranded (125)I approach was also associated with higher mean D90 values and lower V150-urethral doses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of stranded (125)I was associated with superior dosimetric outcomes in this group of patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, 3015 North Ballas Road, St. Louis, MO 63131, USA. hmf8@bjc.org
authors.forename: Humberto M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Fagundes
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Keys
authors.forename: Mary F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Wojcik
authors.forename: Marsha A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Radden
authors.forename: Carol G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Bertelsman
authors.forename: William A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Cavanagh
mesh_terms: D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010502:Perineum; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011834:Radiation Monitoring; D012007:Rectum; D014463:Ultrasonography