title: [Brachytherapy combined with external beam radiation in localized prostate cancer].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. hmatzkin@tasmc.health.gov.il
authors.forename: Haim
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Matzkin
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mabjeesh
authors.forename: Amira
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stenger
authors.forename: Reuben
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Agai
authors.forename: Juza
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Moshe
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Inbar
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes