Toxicity and quality of life after high-dose-rate brachytherapy as monotherapy for low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer

Background and purpose: The use of HDR brachytherapy (HDR-BT) as monotherapy for prostate cancer (PC) is increasing worldwide with good tumour control rates and acceptable toxicity. We report our results on toxicity and quality of life (QoL) after HDR-BT monotherapy for PC patients. Materials and methods: 166 low- and intermediate-risk localized PC patients were treated with HDR-BT to a total dose of 38 Gy in four fractions. Genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities were prospectively assessed using EORTC-RTOG questionnaires and physicians charts. QoL was evaluated using EORTC QLQ-PR25 questionnaires. Results: Three months after treatment, acute GU and GI toxicities were reported in 10.8% and 7.2%. Acute toxicity resolved within two months in the majority of patients (61%). Late grade >= 2 GU and GI toxicity were reported in 19.7% and 3.3% of patients 12 months after HDR-BT. Mean QLQ-PR25 scores showed clinically relevant changes from baseline for urinary symptoms and sexual functioning. With a mean follow-up of 35 months, biochemical failure was observed in 2.4%. Overall survival at 60 months was 93.6% and cancer -specific survival was 100%. Conclusions: HDR-BT monotherapy for localized PC showed excellent clinical outcome and acceptable acute and late toxicity. Urinary symptoms and sexual function QoL decreased after treatment. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.