Prostate Brachytherapy

Today, the arsenal of “high-precision” or “targeted” radiotherapy includes a variety of techniques and approaches that, like the pieces of a puzzle, need to be put together to provide the prostate cancer patient with high-level optimized radiation treatment. This book examines in detail the role of these innovative radiation techniques in the management of prostate cancer. In addition, a variety of current controversies regarding treatment are carefully explored, including whether prophylactic treatment of the pelvic lymphatics is essential, the magnitude of the effect of dose escalation, whether a benefit accrues from hypofractionation, and what evidence exists for the superiority of protons or heavy ions. Radiotherapy in Prostate Cancer: Innovative Techniques and Current Controversies is intended for both radiation oncologists and urologists with an interest in the up-to-date capabilities of modern radiation oncology for the treatment of prostate cancer.

This text is a concise handbook designed to assist the clinician in the implementation of Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI). It includes a review of the principles that underlie APBI, a practical and detailed description of each technique for APBI, a review of current clinical results of APBI, and a review of the incidence and management of treatment related complications. The book encompasses a number of different techniques and approaches that include brachytherapy, intraoperative, and external beam techniques. There is currently no single source that describes these techniques and their clinical implementation.

Prostate brachytherapy has been the subject of heated debate among surgeons and the proponents of the various brachytherapy methods. This very first interdisciplinary book on the subject provides a comprehensive overview of innovations in low dose rate (LDR), high dose rate (HDR), and pulsed dose rate (PDR) interstitial brachytherapy for the management of local or locally advanced prostate cancer. In addition to detailed chapters on patient selection and the use of imaging in diagnostics, treatment guidance, and implantation control, background chapters are included on related medical physics issues such as treatment planning and quality assurance. The results obtained with the different treatment options and the difficult task of salvage treatment are fully discussed. All chapters have been written by internationally recognized experts who for more than a decade have formed the teaching staff responsible for the successful GEC-ESTRO/EAU Prostate Brachytherapy Teaching Course.

Prostate brachytherapy (transperineal interstitial implantation of the prostate with either permanent or temporary radioactive sources) has evolved into a sophisticated and definitive treatment modality, used either as monotherapy or in combination with external beam radiation therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer. This popular form of therapy is frequently integrated with neoadjuvant and/or concurrent androgen suppression therapy in the intermediate and advanced risk patient. This book covers both basic and advanced techniques for prostate brachytherapy and is appropriate for the practitioner who is anticipating or currently performing permanent radioactive seed implants. A partial list of topics includes: patient selection, equipment decisions, treatment planning, operative technique, post-implant evaluation, management of acute/long term treatment and follow-up after implant. The accompanying CD-ROM, with video clips, is an invaluable teaching tool. Basic and Advanced Techniques in Prostate Brachytherapy is for practitioners of prostate brachytherapy-urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and medical physicists.

This book comprehensively covers application of salvage therapy in reccurrent prostate cancer. Chapters focus on specific issues associated with a range of surgical and oncological management techniques and strategies including hormone therapy, lymphnode dissection, robotic prostatectomy and salvage reirradiation after locoregional failure. Learning objectives, and definitions of keywords are provided to aid the reader develop a thorough understanding of the topic and reinforce the key points covered in each chapter. Salvage Therapy for Prostate Cancer provides a detailed practically applicable guide on how salvage therapy can be utilised in the treatment of prostate cancer. It represents a valuable resource for trainee and practicing urologists, oncologists, and specialist nurses.

A detailed, easy-to-read guide for physicians, attorneys and savvy patients

This book addresses the most relevant aspects of radiation oncology in terms of technical integrity, dose parameters, machine and software specifications, as well as regulatory requirements. Radiation oncology is a unique field that combines physics and biology. As a result, it has not only a clinical aspect, but also a physics aspect and biology aspect, all three of which are inter-related and critical to optimal radiation treatment planning. In addition, radiation oncology involves a host of machines/software. One needs to have a firm command of these machines and their specifications to deliver comprehensive treatment. However, this information is not readily available, which poses serious challenges for students learning the planning aspect of radiation therapy. In response, this book compiles these relevant aspects in a single source. Radiation oncology is a dynamic field, and is continuously evolving. However, tracking down the latest findings is both difficult and time-consuming. Consequently, the book also comprehensively covers the most important trials. Offering an essential ready reference work, it represents a value asset for all radiation oncology practitioners, trainees and students.