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Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer

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Surgical Procedures for Core Urology Trainees

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Abstract

Prostate brachytherapy is a very effective radiation-based treatment for localised prostate cancer. The aim is to deliver a high therapeutic dose of radiation to the prostate while minimising radiation exposure to the surrounding organs and thus limiting toxicity. Modern imaging techniques allow precise targeting of the prostate tissue and limit exposure to normal tissue. Prostate brachytherapy delivers the radiation dose directly into the target tissue without traversing skin and other structures, unlike external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). This targeted access is achieved by a template and image-guided approach delivered percutaneously through the perineum (Fig. 10.1).

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The Gray (symbol: Gy) is a derived unit of ionising radiation dose in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as the absorption of one joule of radiation energy per kilogram of matter.

  2. 2.

    EPIC = Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite.

  3. 3.

    IIEF = International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire.

  4. 4.

    The EORTC QLQ-C30/PR 25 is a questionnaire developed to assess the quality of life of prostate cancer patients that includes a specific section to investigate bowel symptoms

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK

    Ricardo Soares M.D., F.E.B.U., Santiago Uribe-Lewis Ph.D., Jennifer Uribe M.D. & Stephen Langley M.B.B.S., M.S., F.R.C.S. (Urol)

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  1. Ricardo Soares M.D., F.E.B.U.
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  2. Santiago Uribe-Lewis Ph.D.
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  3. Jennifer Uribe M.D.
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  4. Stephen Langley M.B.B.S., M.S., F.R.C.S. (Urol)
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. East of England Deanery, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, United Kingdom

    Sanchia Goonewardene

  2. Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom

    Raj Persad

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Soares, R., Uribe-Lewis, S., Uribe, J., Langley, S. (2018). Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer. In: Goonewardene, S., Persad, R. (eds) Surgical Procedures for Core Urology Trainees. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57442-4_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57442-4_10

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-57442-4

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