Quality of life among men treated with brachytherapy for prostate cancer.

Brachytherapy, the implantation of permanent radiation sources into the transperineal area, is being used with increasing frequency as treatment for localized prostate cancer. In this study, men undergoing brachytherapy evaluated their quality of life (QoL) before and after treatment. Brachytherapy affects QoL within the domains of emotional well-being and specific prostate concerns. Knowledge of the treatment effects on QoL will assist nursing staff working with patients faced with treatment decisions for prostate cancer.