Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Improving Quality of Life After Prostate Brachytherapy: a Comparison of HDR and LDR Brachytherapy

This study is looking at two types of radiation treatment for prostate cancer called High Dose Rate (HDR) and Low Dose Rate (LDR) brachytherapy. Both are ways to deliver radiation directly to the prostate. Doctors often use these treatments alongside external radiation therapy to give a stronger dose to the cancer. The main goal of this research is to see if HDR brachytherapy is as good or better than LDR brachytherapy at stopping the cancer from coming back. Crucially, researchers also want to find out if one treatment causes fewer unpleasant side effects and helps men have a better quality of life. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either HDR or LDR treatment, and their health and well-being will be carefully monitored over several years.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

British Columbia Cancer Agency

Enrolment target

195

Start

01 Jan 2014

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2029

Prostate Cancer

What is this study about?

When men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, doctors aim to treat it effectively while also helping them maintain a good quality of life. This particular study is focusing on a type of radiation therapy called brachytherapy. Brachytherapy involves placing tiny radioactive sources directly into the prostate gland for a short time to kill cancer cells. This method allows doctors to give a high dose of radiation to the cancer while trying to limit the effect on healthy tissues nearby.

There are two main ways to deliver brachytherapy: High Dose Rate (HDR) and Low Dose Rate (LDR). Think of it like a quick, intense burst of radiation (HDR) versus a slower, continuous release over time (LDR). Doctors often use brachytherapy as an added boost to a shorter course of external beam radiation therapy, which is radiation delivered from outside the body, to give the cancer an even stronger treatment.

The main purpose of this research is to compare these two types of brachytherapy – HDR and LDR. The study wants to find out if one method is better at preventing the cancer from returning. Even more importantly, the researchers want to understand if one type of treatment leads to fewer side effects, like problems with urination, bowel movements, or sexual function, and generally improves a man's overall quality of life after treatment. By understanding these differences, doctors can help more men choose the best treatment for their situation.

Key takeaways

This study compares two types of prostate brachytherapy: HDR and LDR.
It aims to find out which treatment is better for cancer control and quality of life.
Participation involves questionnaires and follow-up for up to three years.
You will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups.
Both treatments are standard approaches for prostate cancer.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for men aged between 45 and 80 who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Your cancer would be considered either intermediate risk (meaning it's not the earliest stage but hasn't spread widely) or high risk (meaning it's more advanced or aggressive). You would have had a prostate biopsy within the last year that confirmed the cancer.

To be suitable, your prostate gland needs to be of a certain size, and you should not have severe urinary problems before treatment. Also, you must be well enough to undergo the treatment under anaesthesia and generally in good health, as shown by some standard medical checks. You wouldn't be able to join if you've had other cancers recently (unless it was a very minor skin cancer that's been cleared for over 3 years).

You also can't take part if you've already had certain treatments for prostate cancer, such as surgery to remove the prostate, freezing treatment (cryotherapy), or previous radiation therapy to your pelvis or prostate. This is because these past treatments could affect how well the brachytherapy works or increase your risk of side effects.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a man aged between 45 and 80?
Do you have intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer?
Have you not had previous prostate surgery or radiation for cancer?
Is your prostate gland suitable for this type of treatment?
Are you generally well enough to have a medical procedure?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be randomly assigned to receive one of two brachytherapy treatments: either High Dose Rate (HDR) or Low Dose Rate (LDR). Both treatments involve a procedure under anaesthesia to place radioactive sources into your prostate. Before and after your treatment, you will be asked to complete questionnaires about your quality of life, the natural flow of your urine, and your sexual health. These questionnaires will be filled out every three months for the first year, and then every six months for up to three years.

Some men in the study might also receive hormone therapy (called androgen deprivation treatment) for 6 or 12 months, depending on their typical treatment plan. You will need to attend regular follow-up appointments to track your progress and any side effects. The total duration of your active participation in terms of assessments will be up to three years, but you would continue to be monitored as part of your standard care.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study involves receiving established treatments for prostate cancer. A potential benefit could be that one of the brachytherapy types might lead to better cancer control or a better quality of life with fewer side effects than the other. However, both treatments carry potential risks, such as temporary difficulties with urination, bowel changes, or changes in sexual function, which your doctors will discuss with you. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time and for any reason, without affecting your future medical care.

Locations (1)

British Columbia Cancer Agency Center for the Southern Interior
Verified postcode
Kelowna, Canada

Common questions

What is brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy is a type of radiation treatment where tiny radioactive seeds or sources are placed directly into the prostate gland to kill cancer cells.

What's the difference between HDR and LDR?

HDR (High Dose Rate) brachytherapy gives a quick, intense dose of radiation, while LDR (Low Dose Rate) brachytherapy delivers a slower, continuous dose over time.

Will I still get other prostate cancer treatments?

Yes, brachytherapy is often used as a 'boost' alongside external radiation therapy. Some men in the study may also receive hormone therapy.

How long will I be followed up in this study?

You will have regular check-ups and fill out questionnaires for up to three years to see how you are doing after treatment.

Do I get to choose which brachytherapy I receive?

No, if you join the study, you will be randomly assigned to either receive the HDR or LDR treatment, like flipping a coin, to ensure a fair comparison.