The "Golden Age" of prostate brachytherapy: A cautionary tale

PURPOSE: To investigate the earliest attempts to use man-made isotopes for prostate brachytherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Two radiogold brachytherapy programs were analyzed, using literature review and interviews of participants. RESULTS: Although Au-198 has been discredited as a source for permanent prostate brachytherapy, the major flaw in the reviewed programs was the misapplication of the isotope. CONCLUSIONS: Safe and effective implant programs are grounded in the sound application of brachytherapy principles. New brachytherapy procedures should arise from the collaboration of radiation oncologists, surgeons, physicists, radiobiologists, and radiation safety specialists. (C) 2008 American Brachytherapy Society. All rights reserved.