[Brachytherapy combined with external beam radiation in localized prostate cancer].
OBJECTIVE
A combination of brachytherapy with external beam radiotherapy is one treatment option for localized moderately to poorly differentiated prostate cancer. This article presents initial Israeli experience with this treatment option.


METHODS
In the last 6 years, 56 men were treated with a combination of internal brachytherapy, external beam radiation and 6 months adjuvant hormonotherapy. All were prospectively followed while using validated questionnaires to assess urinary morbidity and sexual function.


RESULTS
Treatment was well tolerated by all. None had grade 2-3 rectal morbidity. Mild to moderate urinary morbidity was seen in most, not different than seen in radiation therapy when given as monotherapy. Sexual function was only mildly affected. Biochemical NED (PSA based) rates albeit for a rather short follow-up period, were similar to those seen when utilizing other radical treatment options.


CONCLUSIONS
Combining I125-brachytherapy with external beam radiation together with a short course of hormonotherapy results in acceptable morbidity and good biochemical outcome. This option should be offered to selected patients with higher grade localized prostate cancer, when other options are less optimal.
Matzkin
Haim
H
Department of Urology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. hmatzkin@tasmc.health.gov.il
Mabjeesh
Nicola
N
Stenger
Amira
A
Agai
Reuben
R
Chen
Juza
J
Inbar
Moshe
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes