Prostate specific antigen-monitored combination radiotherapy for patients with prostate cancer. I-125 implant followed by external-beam radiation

Abstract

The PSA-monitored disease free survival rate after combination irradiation appears comparable with that after radical prostatectomy and perhaps superior to that after external-beam radiation. This effect was achieved even though lower-than-usual doses of radiation from both sources were administered. The combination of an I-125 implant followed by external-beam radiation produces high doses within the prostate and, to a lesser extent, in the periprostatic tissue. Additive and synergistic effects from simultaneous irradiation may be responsible for these results.