Fertility After Prostate Brachytherapy

A Single Site Prospective Descriptive Study on the Effect of Brachytherapy Monotherapy for Prostate Cancer on Male Fertility

Although brachytherapy toxicity data on erectile dysfunction, urethral dysfunction and bladder and bowel impact has been collected for a number of years, there is limited information on its effect on male fertility. This study aims to investigate the effect of brachytherapy on fertility

Brachytherapy is a commonly employed technique in the treatment of all prostate cancer risk groups. It delivers a high radiation localised to the prostate gland. The effects of this on fertility have not been systematically studied. An increasing number of younger men for whom fertility is an issue are being diagnosed with prostate cancer and may be offered brachytherapy amongst their treatment choices. This study therefore addresses this issue with a systematic evaluation of sperm count and quality before and after both high dose rate and low dose rate brachytherapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male
• 18 years or older
• Receiving brachytherapy monotherapy; High or Low dose rate
• Ability to ejaculate
• Able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of infertility or vasectomy
• Previous chemotherapy or pelvic radiotherapy
• Prior use of androgen deprivation therapy
• 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors within the last 4 months
• Alpha blockers within 7 days of semen collection