The following practice criterion for transperineal persistent brachytherapy of prostate cancer had been created jointly by the American College of Radiology (ACR), American Brachytherapy Society (ABS), and American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). Transperineal permanent brachytherapy for prostate cancer is the interstitial implantation of low-dose-rate radioactive seeds into the prostate gland to treat localized prostate cancer.
The Committee on Practice Parameters—Radiation Oncology of the Commission on Radiation Oncology, in collaboration with ABS and ASTRO, developed this practice parameter in accordance with the procedure outlined under the heading The Process for Developing ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards on the ACR website.
The practice criterion offers a framework for the optimal application of low-dose-rate brachytherapy, either as a stand-alone therapy or in conjunction with external-beam radiation therapy, in the treatment of prostate cancer. All associated radiation oncology employees, including the radiation oncologist, medical physicist, dosimetrist, radiation therapist, and nursing staff, have their credentials and duties outlined in the practice parameter. The criteria for choosing patients and using additional treatments like androgen deprivation therapy and external beam radiation therapy were reviewed. Presented were the logistics of the implant surgery, post-implant dosimetry evaluation, and best practices for safety and quality assurance.
The delivery of permanent prostate brachytherapy may be made safe and effective by adhering to established guidelines.
