Over the past several years brachytherapy for the treatment of limited prostate cancer has gained a tremendous amount of attention in the medical literature, and on the Internet. Patients are now requesting brachytherapy as first-line therapy. VAMC Cincinnati through University affiliate has provided brachytherapy for several years. This was offered on a space and budget available basis. This information was shared with veterans via Internet and a proposal was sent to establish the Cincinnati VAMC as a national referral center for brachytherapy with I 125 as an appropriate treatment option in selected patients with prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer involves an interdisciplinary approach.
Specialists from medical oncology, radiation therapy, urology and administration developed a proposal to the VISN 10 Director which included staffing needs, workload capacity, patient selection, budget, equipment and a tracking system to identify outcomes. Veterans using the Internet were linked to this web page when investigating brachytherapy as a treatment for prostate cancer. All care is given as an outpatient. Costs have been reduced and satisfaction increased. The patient is provided with computerized information for lodging, scans, follow up and education regarding self-care and contact persons for further assistance.