Dawn of prostate brachytherapy: 1915-1930

Purpose: To investigate the origins of prostate brachytherapy. Methods and Materials: A review of contemporary journals and texts was conducted. Results: Prostate brachytherapy was performed frequently by leading urologists before 1930. Both temporary and permanent implant techniques were developed using radium and radon through intracavitary and interstitial approaches. Transperineal implantation of permanent sources was first performed 80 years ago. Conclusion: Prostate brachytherapy has its origins in the early part of the last century