Outcomes for prostate glands >60 cc treated with low-dose-rate brachytherapy

Acute and late side-effects after low dose-rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer; incidence, management and technical considerations

PURPOSE

To review common reported side effects and complications after primary LDR-BT (monotherapy) and discuss some of the technical aspects that could impact the treatment outcomes.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A literature search was undertaken using medical subject headings (MeSH) complemented by the authors' personal and institutional expertise.

RESULTS

The reported incidence of acute and late grade 2 or above urinary, bowel and sexual side effects is very variable across the literature. The learning curve and the implant quality have a clear impact on the toxicity outcomes. Being aware of some of the technical challenges encountered during the procedure and ways to mitigate them could decrease the incidence of side effects. Careful planning of seed placement and seed deposition allow sparing of the organs at risk and a lower incidence of urinary and gastro-intestinal toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Low dose-rate brachytherapy remains a standard monotherapy treatment in the setting of favorable-risk prostate cancer. High disease control and low long-term toxicities are achievable in expert hands with a good technique.

Patient-reported health-related quality of life outcomes after HDR brachytherapy between small (<60 cc) and large (≥60 cc) prostate glands

PURPOSE

Patients with large prostate glands are underrepresented in clinical trials incorporating brachytherapy due to concerns for excessive toxicity. We sought to compare health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes between small (<60 cc) and large (≥60 cc) prostates treated with high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-B).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

One hundred thirty patients at Emory University were treated with HDR-B monotherapy (n = 75) or HDR-B in combination with external beam radiation therapy (n = 55). American Urologic Association Symptom Score (AUASS) and expanded prostate cancer index composite for clinical practice (EPIC-CP) scores were recorded. A linear mixed model was performed dichotomizing prostate volume (<60 and ≥ 60 cc) with AUASS, individual EPIC-CP domains (urinary incontinence, urinary irritation/obstruction [UIO], bowel function, sexual function, and vitality/hormonal function), and overall EPIC-CP HRQOL scores.

RESULTS

Median followup was 22.6 months (range 2.2-55.8). The median gland volume for the entire cohort (n = 130), <60 cc cohort (n = 104), and ≥60 cc cohort (n = 26) was 44 cc, 41.1 cc, and 68.0 cc, respectively. There were no baseline differences in HRQOL scores between cohorts. At 2 months, AUASS and UIO scores increased similarly between cohorts (AUASS p = 0.807; UIO p = 0.539), then decreased (longitudinal effect p < 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively) to remain not significantly different at 12 months (AUASS p = 0.595; UIO p = 0.673). Overall, prostate volume was not significantly associated with change in AUASS (p = 0.403), urinary incontinence (p = 0.322), UIO symptoms (p = 0.779), bowel symptoms (p = 0.757), vitality/hormonal symptoms (p = 0.503), or overall HRQOL (p = 0.382).

CONCLUSIONS

In appropriately selected patients, HDR-B appears well tolerated in patients with ≥60 cc prostate glands without an increase in patient-reported toxicity. Volume should not be a strict contraindication in those with adequate baseline function.

A single institution analysis of low-dose-rate brachytherapy: 5-year reported survival and late toxicity outcomes

Purpose

To report the 5-year biochemical relapse-free survival (BRFS), overall survival (OS), and long-term toxicity outcomes of patients treated with low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy as monotherapy for low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer.

Material and methods

Between 2004 and 2011, 371 patients were treated with LDR brachytherapy as monotherapy. Of these, 102 patients (27%) underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) prior to implantation. Follow-up was performed every 3 months for 12 months, then every 6 months over 4 years and included prostate specific antigen evaluation. The biochemical relapse-free survival (BRFS) was defined according to the Phoenix criteria. Acute and late toxicities were documented using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. The BRFS and OS estimates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier plots. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate outcomes by pre-treatment clinical prognostic factors and radiation dosimetry.

Results

The median follow-up of all patients was 5.45 years. The 5-year BRFS and OS rates were 95% and 96%, respectively. The BRFS rates for patients with Gleason score (GS) > 7 and GS ≤ 6 were 96% and 91% respectively (p = 0.06). On univariate analysis, T1 and T2 staging, risk-group classification, and prostate volumes had no impact on survival at 5 years (p > 0.1). Late grade 2 and 3 genitourinary (GU) toxicities were observed in 10% and 5% of patients respectively. Additionally, patients with prior TURP had a greater incidence of late grade 2 or 3 urinary retention (p = 0.001). There were 14 deaths in total; however, none were attributed to prostate cancer.

Conclusions

LDR brachytherapy is an effective treatment option in low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients. We observed low biochemical relapse rates and minimal GU toxicities several years after treatment in patients with or without TURP. However, a small risk of urinary retention was observed in some patients.