Thomas J. Pugh, MD,  presented “Next Generation Prostate Brachytherapy for Ablation” during the 19th Annual Future Directions in Urology Symposium on August 11, 2018 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

How to cite: Pugh, Thomas J. Next Generation Prostate Brachytherapy for Ablation” August 11, 2018. Accessed [date today]. https://dev.grandroundsinurology.com/next-generation-prostate-brachytherapy-for-ablation/

Next Generation Prostate Brachytherapy for Ablation- Summary

Thomas J. Pugh, MD, provides an overview of next generation techniques, especially prostate brachytherapy, to refine dose escalation and differentiation, as well as the therapeutic ratio, for ablating localized prostate cancer.

Brachytherapy for Localized Prostate Cancer

Radiation dose intensification impacts biochemical progression-free survival, as well as rate of local failure, in localized prostate cancer. Recent evidence also suggests that dose intensification reduces the rate of distant metastases.   

Prostate brachytherapy is one of the most impactful techniques for dose escalation. The ASCENDE-RT trial compared an external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) boost with a low-dose rate LDR prostate brachytherapy boost in high- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Results showed that the LDR prostate brachytherapy had doubled the improvement in progression-free survival compared to EBRT. 

Tools that can further refine the therapeutic ratio and dose escalation for localized prostate cancer include multiparametric MRI and novel PET radiotracer imaging. Prostate brachytherapy, as well as integration of novel systemic therapies and antiandrogen therapy, can enable dose differentiation. Overall, improvements in these next generation techniques allow physicians to better treat prostate cancer patients.

About Dr. Pugh

Dr. Pugh is the Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Colorado. As a board-certified radiation oncologist with a specific interest and specialization in prostate brachytherapy, he has expert knowledge in this next generation technique.

About the Future Directions in Urology Symposium

The Future Directions in Urology Symposium (FDUS) is an annual collaborative meeting with a faculty consisting of the top researchers, physicians, and educators in the field of urology. During FDUS, experts provide updates on recent developments and debate innovative management approaches in genitourinary cancers and urologic conditions. Subsequently, the experts devise consensus statements in accordance with the discussions held in the meeting.

In this video, Dr. Pugh discloses the thesis of the discussion he led during FDUS.