A Queensland first in the treatment of prostate cancer - Brachytherapy

08 July 2003
Urologists at Greenslopes Private Hospital undertook Queensland’s first seed brachytherapy procedure for the treatment of localised prostate cancer, on Saturday, 28 June 2003.

Brachytherapy is the treatment of localised prostate cancer by implanting radioactive seeds into the prostate gland.

Prostate cancer is a common form of cancer, second only to skin cancer in men. One in 10 men will develop prostate cancer with 2 ½ thousand men dying from their disease per year.

Speaking at the launch of the new service, Greenslopes’ Urologist Dr Glen Wood said there were currently no sites in Queensland offering seed brachytherapy as a treatment for localized prostate cancer.

“It is estimated that half of all men who undergo currently available treatment options in Queensland (external beam radiotherapy and radical prostatectomy), would be suitable for brachytherapy as an alternative treatment option,” Dr Wood said.

He said due to the potency and urinary incontinence problems associated with other therapies, there was enormous consumer demand for the procedure and so Queensland urologists were currently referring patients interstate for brachytherapy.

“There is also a growing demand for the treatment of prostate cancer, resulting from an increase in the diagnosis of early stage prostate cancer - which is confined to the prostate gland.

“Most cancers have a better chance of cure if found and treated at an early stage and
treatment by brachytherapy may also be less likely to result in impotence or urinary
incontinence,” Dr Wood said.

“It is a first line treatment for patients who are fully informed of the potential risks and benefits of each of the alternative treatments available such as radical prostatecomy, radiotherapy and watchful waiting.”

The ideal patient for brachytherapy is a patient with low volume, low grade to intermediate grade disease with greater than a 10-year life expectancy.

“We are delighted that Greenslopes has purchased this new equipment allowing for us to begin brachytherapy treatment.

“ I believe it won’t be long before Greenslopes establishes an outstanding reputation for this procedure, setting itself apart from other private hospitals in Queensland.”

For further information please call: 07 3394 7111