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Prostate Cancer Guidelines Welcomed

The Prostate Brachytherapy Advisory Group welcomes the NICE Guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer published 27 February , in particular, the emphasis on informed patient choice and that patients should be supported to make treatment decisions which take into account their quality of life as well as survival.
States Professor Stephen Langley, Consultant Urologist at St Luke’s Cancer Centre, Guildford and Chair of the Prostate Brachytherapy Advisory Group, “ Low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy, or pinhole surgery as it is known, is a suitable option for men with low and intermediate risk prostate cancer. Fifteen year data shows that it is comparable to both surgery and radiotherapy with much less risk of impotence and incontinence.”
Brachytherapy is a proven1 treatment for early localised prostate cancer. It involves implanting tiny radioactive seeds directly into the prostate to destroy the cancer cells. The seeds are permanently implanted, but degrade naturally over time.2 Unlike traditional surgery, brachytherapy or pinhole surgery is minimally invasive and is normally carried out as a day case procedure allowing men to return to work and normal daily activities sooner. It offers a good side effect profile with less risk of incontinence and impotence than other treatment options.3
The Prostate Brachytherapy Advisory Group is dedicated to supporting universal access to high-quality, low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy in the UK and comprises a group of medical and National Health Service (NHS) representatives with an active interest in the commissioning of services and the provision of care.

References
1 Kupelian PA, Potters L, Khuntia D et al. Radical prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy <72 Gy, external beam radiotherapy > or =72 Gy, permanent seed implantation, or combined seeds/external beam radiotherapy for stage T1-T2 prostate cancer. International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics 2004; 58(1):25-33.
2 The American Brachytherapy Society: www.americanbrachytherapy.org
3 Langley SEM, Laing R. Prostate brachytherapy has come of age: a review of the technique and results. BJU International 2002; 89:241-249.
The Prostate Brachytherapy Advisory Group is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Oncura

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Sally Robinson, PR Consultant
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Date Added: 27-02-2008

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