VICTORIA – The first long-term results from the largest prostate brachytherapy program in Canada were published online this week in the journal Urology, showing brachytherapy is a very effective treatment for early stage prostate cancer.

The population-based study tracks the disease outcomes of the first 1,006 consecutive patients treated through the BC Cancer Agency’s Prostate Brachytherapy Therapy Program since its inception in July 1998.

The study found that 95 percent of men in the cohort did not experience a biochemical recurrence – a rise in the blood level of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) after treatment with brachytherapy, which indicates a likely cure of prostate cancer. Men in the cohort also experienced extremely low rates of metastasis (spread of cancer) and death from cancer.

“This study demonstrates that brachytherapy offers men with localized prostate cancer an excellent chance of cure, with low risk of complications, says Dr. Howard Pai, radiation oncologist, BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Island Centre. “The outcomes from prostate brachytherapy are comparable to, or better than, other treatment options for early stage prostate cancer, including options which some traditionally view as the gold standard treatment.”

Brachytherapy is the placement of radioactive seeds or sources directly into the prostate. These tiny radioactive sources, often called "seeds," deliver radiation directly to the tumour tissue, significantly sparing surrounding healthy tissues

Robert Katzer, a 79 year old retired navy officer and real estate manager from Victoria, is one of the patients in the cohort.

“After my oncologist explained what brachytherapy is, I was happy to learn I was a good candidate for the procedure. It seemed less invasive and I really didn’t want to have an incision from surgery,” says Katzer, who underwent brachytherapy in 2003. “It’s been five years since I got the procedure done and my PSA level has been in check ever since.”

The results from the study rank among the best published in the world, but what makes the study unique is the size and scope of the program.

“Our program is the largest in Canada. Over 2,400 men have been implanted so far. It’s very unusual to have such a large program involving so many physicians. Other cancer centres with excellent outcomes typically only have a few physicians performing brachytherapy,” explains Dr. Mira Keyes, head of the BC Cancer Agency’s Provincial Prostate Brachytherapy Program. “With our population-based program, we have 13 radiation oncologists in five regional cancer centres using fixed criteria for patient selection, treatment planning and implantation. The results from the study speak to the strength and quality of the program.”

All patients in the cohort received follow-up care (initially at six weeks, then every six months for two to three years, and then annually), allowing the BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, to maintain a large database that includes information on patients and disease characteristics, toxicities and treatment outcomes.

Most patients are able to resume normal physical activities within days after receiving treatment. Side effects of the treatment are relatively mild and transient. Long-term side effects are rare. Sexual function is preserved in many patients.

“I remember going home with my wife the same day I got the procedure done, and heading back to work just a few days later,” says Katzer.

The BC Cancer Agency’s Prostate Brachytherapy Program has come a long way since its inception in 1998, when both the assessment and procedure were only provided in Vancouver. Today, patients can have their assessment and follow-up in Victoria, Kelowna, Vancouver, and Surrey, and their procedure in Kelowna and Vancouver.

The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds to support research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency.

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For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Jinny Wu
Communications Specialist
BC Cancer Agency

Tel: 604.877.6272
Pgr: 604.806.2338
Toll-free: 1.800.663.3333, ex 6272
jwu2@bccancer.bc.ca