A select group of patients are eligible for HDR monotherapy. Glands larger than 60 cc can be reduced in size by a course of hormones prior to monotherapy implant. The treatment consists of 2 implants, one week apart. Each implant is given three fractions for a total of six fractions. To date, none have failed locally or distally.
Morbidity rates are very low, especially rectal morbidity.
Urinary morbidity is no different in severity or prolongation of symptoms than what we see in patients who receive HDR plus external beam. The physician, after reviewing the patient's history and recent test results, determines what course of treatment the patient should follow. This is discussed during the consultation. The patient is scheduled for the implants. The day before the implant, the patient comes to the clinic for a pre-op exam.