The results of real-time brachytherapy for the management of low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer in patients with prostate volumes up to 100 mL.

OBJECTIVES: • To report the results of real-time brachytherapy in the management of low-risk and intermediate-risk prostate cancer in patients with prostate volumes up to 100 mL, over a 6-year period. • To prospectively determine whether prostate volume influences the ability to achieve a quality implant and therefore impact upon prostate-specific antigen (PSA) relapse-free survival, and urinary and rectal toxicity. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: • In all, 216 men with localized prostate cancer were treated with real-time prostate brachytherapy using (125) I implants between November 2003 and December 2009. • Patient selection was based upon functional parameters; International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and flowmetry. • Patients had computed tomography imaging at 1 month to assess post-implant dosimetry. PSA, IPSS and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group rectal toxicity scores were recorded prospectively over the follow-up period. • Patients with prostate volumes ≤50 mL and those with volumes >50 mL were compared. RESULTS: • Overall PSA relapse-free survival was 98.8%; 97.0% for intermediate-risk patients and 100.0% for low-risk patients. By volume, 98.5% of men with standard prostates were free from PSA relapse compared with 100.0% of men with large prostates. • The mean post-implant D90 was 177.0 Gy; 175.5 Gy in standard prostates and 183.5 Gy in large prostates. • The overall acute urinary retention rate was 1.9%; 1.7% in standard prostates and 2.4% in large prostates. There were three urethral strictures, all in the standard prostate group. The mean IPSS increased to 11 and 14 at 3 months for the standard and large prostate groups, respectively, before settling to 2 above baseline for both groups at 12 months. • There were no rectovesical fistulae. Persistent rectal bleeding was reported by one (0.5%) patient in the standard prostate group. CONCLUSIONS: • Prostate brachytherapy is effective in the treatment of low-risk and intermediate-risk prostate cancer. • It is technically possible to deliver a quality implant in a large prostate using real-time brachytherapy. • The treatment itself is well tolerated. Prostate volumes up to 100 mL should not exclude patients from brachytherapy providing either flow rate ≥14 mL/s or symptom score (IPSS) ≤ 10.

Changing Practice Evaluation-Stage 1 Seminoma: Outcomes With Adjuvant Treatment Versus Surveillance: Risk Factors for Recurrence and Optimizing Follow-up Protocols-Experience From a Supraregional Center.

BACKGROUND: Stage 1 seminoma is frequently cured by radical orchiectomy; however, the management strategies after this diagnosis vary in terms of the use of adjuvant treatment and the nature of the follow-up protocols. We analyzed stage 1 seminomas treated in the Thames Valley Cancer Network for outcomes to determine whether any factors are predictive of recurrence. We also studied relapses to determine the optimal follow-up schedule and protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from centers within the Thames Valley Cancer Network for a 12-year period from 2004 to 2016. We identified 501 patients with stage 1 seminoma. RESULTS: Relapses occurred in 6.2% of the patients receiving adjuvant treatment and 6.1% of those who did not. The only statistically significant predictive factor identified for relapse was rete testis invasion, and the risk was greater when only stromal rete invasion was included, rather than pagetoid as well. A trend was seen toward an increased risk with increased tumor size, but the difference was not statistically significant. Recurrences developed within the first 2 years after surgery in nearly 75% of cases and were identified through surveillance computed tomography scans in 54.8% of the patients. All relapses were treated curatively. CONCLUSION: Active surveillance leads to excellent outcomes for stage 1 seminoma; however, adjuvant treatment should be reserved for those with high-risk disease. Follow-up schedules should include computed tomography imaging during the first 3 years, long-term measurement of tumor markers, and mechanisms for patients to be seen promptly should symptoms of tumor recurrence occur.