Single-fraction high-dose-rate brachytherapy as monotherapy for localized prostate cancer: long-term follow-up study based on meta-analysis
2025

Single-Fraction High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer

Sample size: 552 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Xiao Li, Yu Li-Li, Zhang Li-Yuan, Guo Wei, Liu Li-Xin, Sun Yun-Chuan, Kan Xuan, Zhang Kai

Primary Institution: Hebei Province Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine

Hypothesis

What is the long-term safety and efficacy of single-fraction high-dose-rate brachytherapy (SFHDR-BT) for localized prostate cancer?

Conclusion

SFHDR-BT is well tolerated but offers limited clinical benefits for patients with localized prostate cancer.

Supporting Evidence

  • The cumulative incidence of severe gastrointestinal toxicity was 0%.
  • The pooled cumulative incidence of grade ≥ 3 sexual dysfunction was 4%.
  • The estimate of long-term biochemical recurrence-free survival was 72%.
  • The estimate of long-term overall survival was 90%.
  • High-quality prospective studies of SFHDR-BT are necessary to verify its safety and efficacy.

Takeaway

This study shows that a single treatment of high-dose radiation for prostate cancer is safe and has some benefits, but it might not help as much as other treatments.

Methodology

A systematic review and meta-analysis of eight studies were conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of SFHDR-BT.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the inclusion of retrospective studies and the limited diversity of the patient population.

Limitations

The study included a limited number of retrospective studies and predominantly Caucasian patients, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

The study primarily involved Caucasian patients with localized prostate cancer.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI 68-76% for bRFS; 95% CI 85-95% for OS

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.7150/jca.104279

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