First report of experiences with interstitial radiation therapy of the prostatic carcinoma using 125-J-seeds

The practical and organizing performance of interstitial radiation therapy with 125-J-seeds in prostatic carcinoma is reported. Precautions and measurements for radioprotection are emphasized. First evaluations of these measurements show that this therapeutical technique can be performed in complete accordance with the directive for radioprotection. The computer-assisted isodose-planning and the in-vivo-measurements in the rectum, urethra and bladder confirm the steep decrease of the dose outside the irradiated focal volume. Hence, inflammatory symptoms accompanying the therapy are markedly allayed in comparison with percutaneous radiation therapy, in spite of a higher tumor dose. Because of the extensive operation, attention must be paid to the strict observation of indication criteria. (orig.)