Notification

Error

RT with Brachytherapy boost

Email this conversation Print this conversation
User
Posted 28 Aug 2026 at 09:48

Hi all.

I'm on HT with a view to having RT around the end of the year.
Does anyone here who's had their rectum removed have any experience of combined brachytherapy and HT?
My stats are stage T3bN0M0 Gleason 3+4 in the peripheral zone, prostate volume 28ml, and I've been on Tamsulosin for 2 years for urinary flow problems. 

Edited by member 28 Aug 2026 at 12:56  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 29 Aug 2026 at 00:00
Hi GP,

Sorry you have further cancer problems. I can't recall anybody on the forum having had their rectum removed, but it's not been long since you posted. If nobody here replies, I think you might best discuss with your medical team and ask them if they could refer you to a consultant who has more experience with dealing with men in your situation.

Barry
User
Posted 30 Aug 2026 at 12:13

Having no rectum would require a change to how brachytherapy placement is done, but I did read of someone having it done a long time ago. I think it can be done using real-time MRI guided placement in specialist centres with the right kit..

Being T3b, I presume we're talking about high dose rate brachytherapy here? HDR brachy does have an extra dose adjustment fine tuning which LDR doesn't and could be useful where placement is more challenging.

Is this just brachytherappy, or will it include a reduced dose of external beam too?

Show Most Thanked Posts
User
Posted 29 Aug 2026 at 00:00
Hi GP,

Sorry you have further cancer problems. I can't recall anybody on the forum having had their rectum removed, but it's not been long since you posted. If nobody here replies, I think you might best discuss with your medical team and ask them if they could refer you to a consultant who has more experience with dealing with men in your situation.

Barry
User
Posted 29 Aug 2026 at 01:46

Thanks Barry, 

Having no rectum does add some complications to diagnostics and treatment! 

User
Posted 30 Aug 2026 at 12:13

Having no rectum would require a change to how brachytherapy placement is done, but I did read of someone having it done a long time ago. I think it can be done using real-time MRI guided placement in specialist centres with the right kit..

Being T3b, I presume we're talking about high dose rate brachytherapy here? HDR brachy does have an extra dose adjustment fine tuning which LDR doesn't and could be useful where placement is more challenging.

Is this just brachytherappy, or will it include a reduced dose of external beam too?

User
Posted 30 Aug 2026 at 16:16

Hi Andy, thank you for your response.

Yes, I'm looking at investigating the possibility of HDR brachytherapy together with the EBRT which they have offered, which I understand would involve a reduced dose of EBRT.
I've read that EBRT plus HDR brachy boost increases the likelihood of a good outcome over EBRT alone for T3b cases.
Having had my colon and rectum removed many years ago I'm aware that some anatomical shifting of bladder, prostate and small intestine will have taken place into the rectal space, and I'm wondering if EBRT plus HDR brachy boost would be more protective of my rearranged anatomy.
I'm also aware that having no rectum necessitates an altered approach to some diagnostics and treatments, as you pointed out.
My interest in this treatment combination has been raised with my oncologist by my CNS nurse, but I won't have the opportunity to discuss it with her until my first appt with her in 4 or 5 months time.
In the meantime I thought it would be useful to harvest the experiences / knowledge of members here who've undergone these treatments under similar circumstances. 

 
Forum Jump  
Email this conversation Print this conversation

Join the online community now.

Click through to become a member and gain access to support, information and real time replies.




MenuTop ▲
©2026 Prostate Cancer UK