High dose rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on high dose rate brachytherapy in combination with external-beam radiotherapy for localised prostate cancer in May 2006.

Further recommendations have been made as part of the clinical guideline on prostate cancer published in February 2008, as follows:

Brachytherapy is not recommended for men with high-risk localised prostate cancer.

Clinical and cost-effectiveness evidence was reviewed in the development of this guideline which has led to this more specific recommendation. More information is available from www.nice.org.uk/cg58. The IP guidance on high dose rate brachytherapy in combination with external-beam radiotherapy for localised prostate cancer remains current, and should be read in conjunction with the clinical guideline.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. It tends to affect older men, with the risk rising with age. It is not a single disease entity but may be indicated form an incidental biopsy finding to presentation with metastatic prostate cancer, which may or may not cause any symptoms or shorten life. Symptoms when they occur include urinary outflow obstruction and features of metastases, such as bone pain. Prognosis with prostate cancer is variable and depends on the grade of the tumour and stage of the diagnosed cancer. Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer. 

 Brachytherapy is a form of radiotherapy in which delivery of radiation is targeted directly to the prostate gland through the implantation of small radioactive pellets. Needles are inserted through the skin of the perineum, these needles deliver the seeds which are left in place. In high dose rate brachytherapy thin plastic catheters are inserted through a template, through the perineal skin, and into the prostate gland. They enter the skin below the scrotum and above the rectum. A radioactive seeds are then inserted into each catheter. The catheters are then pulled out, leaving no radioactive material in the prostate gland. Brachytherapy may be used in combination with external beam radiation (EBRT) in high dose therapy.

Other (see guidance)

Cancer
Therapeutic procedures
Urogenital

Clinical oncology
Clinical radiology
Medical oncology

British Association of Urological Surgeons

Royal College of Radiologists

Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine

Interventional Procedures Programme
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
MidCity Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NA