A systematic review of brachytherapy. Is it an effective and safe treatment for localised prostate cancer?

Jenny Doust, University of Queensland
Emma Miller, Department of Human Services, South Australia
Gillian Duchesne, Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute
Michael Kitchener, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
David Weller, University of Edinburgh

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Doust, J., Miller, E., Duchesne, G., Kitchener, M. and Weller, D. (2004). A systematic review of brachytherapy. Is it an effective and safe treatment for localised prostate cancer? Australian family physician, 33(7), 525-530.

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© Copyright The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, 2004

Abstract

BACKGROUND Brachytherapy is a promising treatment for prostate cancer as it may have reduced rates of impotence and incontinence.

OBJECTIVE General practitioners can influence the treatment patients receive by their referral patterns, so it is important they understand the effectiveness and safety of treatment. We reviewed the primary literature on brachytherapy as sole therapy for localised prostate cancer.

DISCUSSION Although there have been many studies on the safety and effectiveness of brachytherapy, there have been no trials of brachytherapy versus other treatments that would control for factors such as tumour stage, grade, or initial prostate specific antigen levels. Brachytherapy for localised prostate cancer appears to have equivalent survival rates to surgery and lower rates of impotence and urinary incontinence.