Radiation therapy and pelvic node dissection in the management of cancer of the prostate.

A technique involving a pelvic lymphadenectomy and a retropubic implantation of the prostate with iodine 125 encapsulated sources is under investigation at Memorial Hospital. This technique is simple and applicable to patients with localized cancer of the prostate, clinically stage B or C. It has increased the accuracy of staging, carries no mortality and has low morbidity. The results have been encouraging with substantial local tumor control and no late urinary or rectal disturbances in the 49 patients who have been followed from 6 to 30 months.