Biochemical relapse-free survival outcomes for intraoperatively planned low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy using an automated delivery system (IO-LDRB)

This study examined rates of biochemical relapse after using intraoperatively planned low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy using an automated delivery system (IO-LDRB) in men with low and intermediate stage prostate cancer. This study found that rates of biochemical relapse were low after treatment. 

Prostate cancer can be treated during surgery using a low-dose prostate radiation delivered with an automated delivery system. This is called intraoperatively planned low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy using an automated delivery system (IO-LDRB). This treatment can be used for low and intermediate risk prostate cancer patients. The long-term effectiveness of this treatment is still under investigation. 

Between 2003 and 2013, 2608 patients from 3 centers were treated with IO-LDRB and were followed up for more than 5 years. These patients were monitored using their PSA levels (a protein present in prostate cancer). When PSA levels rose, it was defined as a biochemical relapse of the original prostate cancer. 

Biochemical relapse was seen in 124 patients (4.8%). Biochemical relapse occurred at an average of 4 years after treatment. It was predicted that biochemical relapse free survival was 93% at 7 years. 

This study found that rates of biochemical relapse remain low at 4.8% several years after treatment. 

This was a prospective study, and so has a good level of evidence.