Prostate permanent implant brachytherapy with BARC I-125 Ocu-Prosta seeds.

AIM: The aim of this study is implementation and establishment of standard operating procedure for permanent prostate implant brachytherapy technique using BARC I-125 Ocu-Prosta seeds.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The transrectal ultrasound (US)-guided procedure was used for permanent implant procedure. The Best® Sonalis™ US Imaging System and Best NOMOS™ Treatment Planning system was used for volume study and implant procedure. The BARC provided I-125 Ocu-Pro radioactive seeds were implanted into the patient with help of Mick@ Applicator. The implant was performed based on pre-implant dosimetry and intraoperative planning performed during implant procedure.

RESULTS

The necessary quality assurance tests were performed for US system before clinical use. The boost dose of 110 Gy was prescribed to the prostate volume of 34.71 cc. About 48 seeds with activity of 0.35 mCi (each) implanted into the prostate volume with reference to intraoperative planning. At the end of procedure, the patient underwent abdomen fluoroscopic examination, to ensure the seed counts in the prostate volume. The day after the implant, the patient was discharged. One month later a planning computed tomography and treatment planning was performed for seed position and dose verification.

CONCLUSIONS

Low dose rate permanent implant brachytherapy has the advantage of being a one-time procedure and the existing long term follow-up supports its excellent outcome and low morbidity. BARC-BRIT is supplying the loose 125I seeds. These seeds can be easily implanted into the patient using Mick applicator. However, the pre-implant seed preparation and implant procedure may result some radiation exposure to staff involved. The radiation dose can be minimized with good practice. This report is one patient pilot study and intended to test the implant systems and standard operative procedure henceforth for permanent implant brachytherapy procedure.