Experiences with a new high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) boost technique for T3b prostate cancer

Dirk Rades*, Rudolf Schwarz, Manuel Todorovic, Horst Thurmann, Markus Graefen, Jochen Walz, Steven E. Schild, Juergen Dunst, Winfried Alberti

*Corresponding author for this work
10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: Experiences with a new high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) boost technique in 41 patients with stage T3b prostate cancer are presented. Patients and Methods: The patients received 18 Gy of HDR-BT (9 Gy on days 1 + 8) plus 50.4 Gy of EBRT. 20 patients (group A) had BT applicators placed into the prostate alone resulting in 18 Gy to prostate and 0 Gy (tip) to 12 Gy (base) to seminal vesicles (SV). The cumulative EQD2 (equivalent dose in 2-Gy fractions, α/β 1.5 Gy) to the SV was 47.5-73.3 Gy. 21 patients (group B) had BT applicators placed into both prostate and SV resulting in 18 Gy to prostate and to > 80% (but not 100%) of the SV (cumulative EQD2 81.5-101.5 Gy). Both groups were compared for acute and late toxicity and for biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS). Results: The 3-year bRFS was 57% for group A and 79% for group B patients (p = 0.29). A grade 3 acute toxicity (CTC 2.0) was not observed. Grade 2 acute toxicity (proctitis, cystitis, skin toxicity) was comparable in both groups. A grade 3 late toxicity did not occur. Impotence rates were 35% in group A and 24% in group B, respectively (p = 0.73). Conclusion: The new HDR-BT technique (group B) was associated only with minor acute and late toxicity and appears to result in better bRFS than the conventional HDR-BT technique (group A). The results must be confirmed in a prospective trial.

Original languageEnglish
JournalStrahlentherapie und Onkologie
Volume183
Issue number7
Pages (from-to)398-402
Number of pages5
ISSN0179-7158
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 07.2007

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