Basic and Advanced Techniques in Prostate Brachytherapy

Book excerpt: Prostate brachytherapy (transperineal interstitial implantation of the prostate with either permanent or temporary radioactive sources) has evolved into a sophisticated and definitive treatment modality, used either as monotherapy or in combination with external beam radiation therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer. This popular form of therapy is frequently integrated with neoadjuvant and/or concurrent androgen suppression therapy in the intermediate and advanced risk patient. This book covers both basic and advanced techniques for prostate brachytherapy and is appropriate for the practitioner who is anticipating or currently performing permanent radioactive seed implants. A partial list of topics includes: patient selection, equipment decisions, treatment planning, operative technique, post-implant evaluation, management of acute/long term treatment and follow-up after implant. The accompanying CD-ROM, with video clips, is an invaluable teaching tool. Basic and Advanced Techniques in Prostate Brachytherapy is for practitioners of prostate brachytherapy-urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and medical physicists.