The aim of this trial was to determine the difference in quality of life on urination when treated with low dose rate (LDR) and high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy. This study is being conducted in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.
The details
Brachytherapy is a form of radiation therapy that places radioactive material either within or close to the tumor. This allows for the tumor to be destroyed with minimum damage caused to the surrounding cells. There are two types of brachytherapy; LDR and HDR. LDR delivers a high dose of radiation at a low rate using implants that have been placed permanently at the tumor site. HDR delivers a high dose of radiation at a high rate directly to the tumor site without permanent implants being used.
The aim of this phase 3 trial is to determine the difference in quality of life (QoL – ability to function on a mental, physical and social level) between LDR and HDR.
Who are they looking for?
This trial is currently recruiting 60 men aged 40-80 years. Participants who have early stage prostate cancer with no previous history of hormone therapy will be eligible for recruitment.
Participants who have previously undergone prostate surgery, pelvic radiation, chemotherapy, cryosurgery or who are claustrophobic will not be considered eligible for this trial.
How will it work
Patients will be randomly assigned into one of two groups. Group 1 will receive LDR under anesthesia in one procedure lasting from 1.5-2 hours. Patients will then return 4 weeks later to undergo imaging to assess implant quality. Group 2 will receive HDR under anesthesia delivered in 2 procedures, 2 weeks apart. There will be no follow-up imaging in this group. Both groups will receive their procedure as an out-patient.
