Pulsed-dose rate brachytherapy in prostate cancer

Very similar to high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy, pulsed-dose-rate (PDR) brachytherapy is delivered as an afterloading technique using a temporary implant. Several catheters or needles are implanted into the prostate according to a pretreatment plan. PDR brachytherapy is given as a boost to external beam radiotherapy. Treatment usually lasts about 48 h. Because catheters/needles can move during treatment, careful attention should be paid. Anchoring catheters in the prostate with specially designed anchoring catheters can be useful for this purpose. Because the treatment is delivered without the rectal ultrasound probe in, it is advisable to perform definitive treatment planning on CT scan or MRI.