OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of photon therapy for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODSThirty patients with severe BPH received brachytherapy of prostate photon treatment system irradiation for one month, with the active area of the applicator located in the rectum, and at a dosage of 726-810 cGy. International prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL), volume of prostate gland, maximum flow rate (Qmax), and residual urine were evaluated before and after the treatment.

RESULTSAfter one-month treatment, 18 cases remarkably improved, 9 slightly improved and 3 had no response. There was significant improvement in IPSS, QOL, volume of prostate gland, Qmax and residual urine (P<0.01, except Qmax P = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONProstate photon treatment system can be used as a safe, effective, micro-invasive, convenient and economical therapy for severe BPH, especially applicable to older and weaker patients.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Brachytherapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Photons ; therapeutic use ; Pilot Projects ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; radiotherapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Urodynamics