The history of interstitial brachytherapy of prostatic cancer

Abstract

The history of interstitial brachytherapy of the prostate began in 1917 when Barringer inserted radium needles transperineally into the prostate, guided by a finger in the rectum. In 1952, Flocks et al. Injected radioactive gold solution in prostatic cancer during open operation. In 1972, Whitmore et al. Described retropubic Iodine‐125 seed implantation through an open operation with pelvic lymph node dissection. The basis for ultrasound (US)‐guided seed implantation was established in the late 1960s by Kratochwil's description of the first puncture transducer for one‐dimensional US‐guidance and Watanabe's pioneer work in prostatic screening. Our group performed the first punctures guided by static two‐dimensional ultrasonic scanning (1969) and by dynamic ultrasound scanning (1974). During the 1970s, US‐guided biopsies of almost all abdominal organs were performed and, in 1981, we introduced US‐guided seed implantation of abdominal tumors and developed a technique for precise needle placement in the prostate guided by transrectal ultrasound. This was followed in 1983 by a technique for seed implantation guided by transrectal (transverse) ultrasonic scanning. That same year, Fornage described prostatic biopsy guided by transrectal longitudinal scanning. In 1990, we developed the seed implantation technique further by combining transverse and longitudinal scannings. In the late 1980s, Ragde from Seattle transferred the technique to the U.S., and since then, Ragde, Blasko, and others have treated numerous patients, refined the technique, taught many courses, and published extensively. They have obtained very promising prostate‐specific antigen (PSA)‐based results which compare favorably with radical prostatectomy and external beam radiation in the treatment of prostatic cancer. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 13:431‐437, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Permanent prostate brachytherapy: a century of technical evolution

“…19 Between 1984 and 1986, Dr Ragde visited the centre in Copenhagen and took the technique back to the Northwest Hospital in Seattle where it was developed further with Dr Blasko, Dr Grimm and others. 20 Early transrectal ultrasound allowed for transverse scanning only. Accurate implantation required recognition of the base plane and incremental retraction from this for effective dose distribution.…”

“…The ultrasound system was further refined with the ability of multiplane scanning allowing a continuous longitudinal view and making depth perception technically easier. 20,21 This meant that cranial-caudal movements of the prostate such as those that occur when a needle is inserted, could potentially be accounted for within the operating room. 22 With refinements in computer software and radiophysics, the technique has become known as the 'Seattle technique'.…”

Interstitial implant alone or in combination with external beam radiation therapy for intermediate-risk prostate cancer: A survey of practice patterns in the United States

“…For the men who underwent the surgical retropubic technique, outcomes were generally poor most likely due to poor dosimetric coverage, and the technique rapidly fell from favor (1). With improved imaging via transrectal ultrasound in the 1980s, template-guided perineal implants were initially performed in Seattle (2). Techniques were refined over the next decade for men with localized prostate cancer, and the results continued to improve as the techniques were modified to ensure optimal dosimetric coverage of the prostate gland and periprostatic tissue (3).…”

prostate brachytherapy: a review of current practice

“…There are now several centres in the UK that provide this method of treatment using either iodine-125 or palladium-103 seeds. The use of high dose rate (HDR) afterloading for prostate implants has also developed, combining the recent developments of transrectal ultrasound 11 and HDR remote afterloading units. Kiel in 1986, 17 Seattle in 1989 18 and Michigan in 1991 19 were some of the early centres to adopt the technique of external beam and a HDR BT boost.…”