Brachytherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer

Introduction In its modern form, transperineal brachytherapy using computerbased dosimetry is capable of both curing prostate cancer and decreasing the morbidity long associated with all definitive prostate cancer treatments.1 The application of trans-rectal ultrasound guided transperineal technique using a two-dimensional (2D) probe, first reported by Holm in 1983, heralded the era of modern imageguided prostate brachytherapy.2 Since that time, the implant technique has evolved to its present form, allowing the brachytherapist to visualize the dose distribution in real time while radioactive sources are placed, resulting in tumoricidal doses within the prostate and minimizing radiation dose to uninvolved normal anatomy. In addition to precise source placement, brachytherapy fully utilizes the innate advantage of radiation therapy in cancer treatment by allowing for preservation of normal anatomy and functional relationships in order to preserve physiologically complex functions such as orgasm, urination and ejaculation.3.