VANCOUVER – 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 1006 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.

“These are excellent results,” says Dr. Mira Keyes, Head, BC Cancer Agency’s Provincial Prostate Brachytherapy Program, “demonstrating that brachytherapy should be considered a gold standard treatment for men with localized prostate cancer.”

Norman Grohmann, former radio personality and weatherman for BCTV (now Global BC), was one of the patients in the cohort. He was happy to learn he was eligible for an alternative to surgery and external beam radiation after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2000.

“Brachytherapy really appealed to me. It seemed the least invasive and traumatic. In my mind, there were more risks, more unknowns and fewer guarantees with the other methods,” says Grohmann.

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. Keyes. “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.”

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

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 getting brachytherapy in the morning at the BC Cancer Agency and then going out for dinner with my wife that same night,” recalls Grohmann, now retired for 12 years, but heavily involved in volunteer work. “I’m very pleased with the results.”

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