[Iodine-125 implantation in localized prostate cancer; technique and results from 100 patients at the Academic Hospital, Utrecht].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the preliminary results of perineal implantation of I-125 seeds in patients with cancer of the prostate.

DESIGN

Prospective descriptive cohort study.

SETTING

Utrecht University Hospital, the Netherlands.

METHODS

In the period from October 1989 to December 1996, a total of 149 patients with localized carcinoma of the prostate were treated with perineal implantation of I-125 seeds. One hundred of them could be evaluated. Results regarding progression and complications were collected prospectively.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 3 years (range 12-74 months). Progression of the disease was observed in 28 patients: local in eight, distant in four and both local and distant in one; 15 patients only showed a rise of prostate specific antigen level, without further symptoms. Fourteen patients were given supplementary treatment. No major complications were seen; four patients had persistent micturition problems and three, intestinal problems.

CONCLUSION

Perineal I-125 implantation causes few complications and may constitute an alternative to external irradiation as well as to radical prostatectomy in the treatment of localized carcinoma of the prostate.