ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We evaluated our retrospective, single institution experience with high dose rate brachytherapy as monotherapy for intermediate risk prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our cohort included 284 patients with intermediate risk prostate cancer, defined as clinical stage T2b/T2c, Gleason score 7 and/or prostate specific antigen 10 to 20 ng/ml, and 1-year minimum followup. Treatment was 2 high dose rate brachytherapy sessions at 3 fractions of 6.5 Gy each for a mean of 19 days. Prostate specific antigen failure was defined as nadir +2 ng/ml. RESULTS: Mean followup was 35.1 months (median 31.9). Actuarial 5-year cause specific survival and clinical local control were 100%, distant-metastasis-free survival 98.8% and biochemical disease-free survival 94.4%. Clinical stage predicted biochemical disease-free survival. For stage T2a or less 5-year biochemical disease-free survival was 95.1% vs 100% for stage T2b and 77.4% for T2c (p = 0.012). Percent positive biopsy cores and prostate specific antigen nadir were also predictive. International Prostate Symptom Score results remained stable and potency was maintained in 82.6% of patients at 2 years. Pads were used for the first time after brachytherapy in 22 patients (7.7%), mostly for grade 1 incontinence (occasionally or less per week). Excluding patients with prior transurethral prostatectomy, stroke or tremor 2.5% used pads for the first time after treatment. No patient had urethral stricture. Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade 1 rectal toxicity developed in 12 patients (4.2%) but not beyond grade 1. CONCLUSIONS: High dose rate brachytherapy as monotherapy is safe and effective for patients with intermediate risk prostate cancer. We recommend caution for percent positive biopsy cores exceeding 75% or clinical stage T2c. Excluding such patients the 5-year biochemical disease-free survival rate was 97.5%.
