Nursing considerations in brachytherapy-related erectile dysfunction
Stipetich, R.; Abel, L.J.; Anderson, R.L.; Butler, W.M.; Wallner, K.E.; Merrick, G.S.
Urologic Nursing 25(4): 249-254; Quiz 259
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1053-816X PMID: 16225341 Document Number: 587811
Following definitive local treatment for early-stage prostate cancer, preservation of erectile function has been assumed to be most likely following brachytherapy. However, recent studies have demonstrated that brachytherapy-related erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common than initially reported. The exacerbation of brachytherapy-related ED is closely related to several clinical, treatment, and dosimetric parameters including pre-implant erectile function and radiation dose to the proximal penis. The majority of patients with brachytherapy-induced ED respond favorably to oral erectogenic agents.