GEC/ESTRO recommendations on high dose rate afterloading brachytherapy for localised prostate cancer: an update

Abstract

Background: HDR afterloading brachytherapy (HDRBT) for prostate cancer is now established as an effective technique to achieve dose escalation in the radical treatment of localized prostate cancer. The previous guidelines published in 2005 from GEC ESTRO and EAU have been updated to reflect the current and emerging roles for HDRBT in prostate cancer.

Patients and method: The indications for HDRBT in dose escalation schedules with external beam are wide ranging with all patients having localized disease eligible for this technique. Exclusion criteria are few encompassing patients medically unfit for the procedure and those with significant urinary outflow symptoms.

Results: Recommendations for patient selection, treatment facility, implant technique, dose prescription and dosimetry reporting are given.

Conclusions: HDRBT in prostate cancer can be practiced effectively and safely within the context of these guidelines with the main indication being for dose escalation with external beam. HDRBT used alone is currently under evaluation and its role in focal treatment and recurrence will be areas of future development.

Keywords: Brachytherapy; Guidelines; High dose rate; Prostate cancer.