Brachytherapy
Volume 7, Issue 1 , Pages 55-59, January 2008

The “Golden Age” of prostate brachytherapy: A cautionary tale

  • Jesse N. Aronowitz

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. University of Massachusetts Medical School, 33 Kendall Street, Levine Cancer Center, Worcester, MA 01605. Tel.: +1-508-334-6550; fax: +1-508-334-5624.

University of Massachusetts Medical School and the Levine Cancer Center of the UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA

Received 24 August 2007; received in revised form 23 December 2007; accepted 27 December 2007.

Abstract 

Purpose

To investigate the earliest attempts to use man-made isotopes for prostate brachytherapy.

Methods and materials

Two radiogold brachytherapy programs were analyzed, using literature review and interviews of participants.

Results

Although 198Au has been discredited as a source for permanent prostate brachytherapy, the major flaw in the reviewed programs was the misapplication of the isotope.

Conclusions

Safe and effective implant programs are grounded in the sound application of brachytherapy principles. New brachytherapy procedures should arise from the collaboration of radiation oncologists, surgeons, physicists, radiobiologists, and radiation safety specialists.

Keywords: Brachytherapy, History of medicine, Prostatic neoplasms, Colloidal gold

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PII: S1538-4721(07)00286-3

doi:10.1016/j.brachy.2007.12.004

Brachytherapy
Volume 7, Issue 1 , Pages 55-59, January 2008

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