Novel practice parameter ensures success of permanent brachytherapy of prostate cancer

Permanent prostate brachytherapy can be delivered safely and effectively by adhering to established standards, suggests a recent study.

“The American College of Radiology (ACR), American Brachytherapy Society (ABS), and American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) have jointly developed the following practice parameter for transperineal permanent brachytherapy of prostate cancer,” the researchers said.

The ACR-ABS-ASTRO practice parameter was created based on the process described under the heading “The Process for Developing ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards on the ACR website (https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/Practice-Parameters-and-Technical-Standards) by the Committee on Practice Parameters—Radiation Oncology of the Commission on Radiation Oncology.”

This standard features a framework for the correct use of low-dose rate brachytherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer either as monotherapy or as part of a regimen combined with external-beam radiation therapy. It has also defined the qualifications and responsibilities of all radiation oncology personnel, including the radiation oncologist, physicist, dosimetrist, therapist, and nursing staff.

In addition, the ACR-ABS-ASTRO practice parameter examines the criteria for patient selection, as well as the use of supplemental therapies such as external-beam radiation therapy and androgen deprivation therapy. It also presents the logistics of implant procedure, postimplant dosimetry assessment, and best practices on safety and quality control.

“Transperineal permanent brachytherapy of prostate cancer is the interstitial implantation of low-dose rate radioactive seeds into the prostate gland for the purpose of treating localized prostate cancer,” according to the researchers.