New ambulatory implant technique of high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy for prostate cancer.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to improve the performance status of prostate cancer patients during high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy (HDR-ISBT). To this end, we have developed a new ambulatory implant technique.


METHODS
Ten prostate cancer patients were treated with HDR-ISBT as monotherapy from October 2003 until March 2004. We utilized a new removable template, a flexible applicator with a nonmetallic bead and button stopper, and an inner catheter connecting the applicator and the transfer tube of the brachytherapy unit. We shortened the connector end of the flexible applicator to enable the patient to sit down and walk freely during the treatment time.


RESULTS
All 10 patients could walk without any support. No problem in the application was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Our new ambulatory implant technique for HDR-ISBT was able to improve the performance status of prostate cancer patients.
Yoshida
Ken
K
Department of Radiology, Osaka National Hospital, 2-1-14 Hoenzaka, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-0006, Japan. kyoshida@onh.go.jp
Nose
Takayuki
T
Shiomi
Hiroya
H
Yoshioka
Yasuo
Y
Fujita
Yuka
Y
Kuroda
Satoru
S
Yoshida
Mineo
M
Takahashi
Tohru
T
Kitamura
Masaya
M
Akai
Hideyuki
H
Oka
Toshitsugu
T
Hosoki
Takuya
T
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D011881:Radiotherapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen