Urology
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Vasomotor hot flashes are a common problem in women who are postmenopausal or receiving antiestrogen treatment for breast cancer. Hot flashes are also a common problem after orchiectomy/luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone therapy, occurring generally in 50% to 66% of these men. Prescribed treatments for hot flashes for men on hormonal ablation treatment for prostate cancer are well documented. ⋯ John's wort) or acupuncture could also be an attractive option in future investigations. Low-dose estrogen seems particularly attractive, because it is inexpensive and may simultaneously reduce hot flashes and the risk of osteoporosis in men receiving long-term androgen suppression therapy; however, the potential for cardiovascular complications must be further investigated. Ultimately, adequate research (vs placebo) should determine the fate of the alternative supplements proposed for hot flash reduction.
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To review the incidence and the impact of pulmonary seed migration after prostate brachytherapy on lung function. Isolated reports of seed migration to the lungs after prostate brachytherapy have been published; however, the clinical consequences of this pulmonary migration have not been adequately evaluated. ⋯ Radioactive seed migration occurred in 36.2% of brachytherapy patients who had chest radiographs done in our series. Pulmonary seed migration may be influenced by the number of implanted seeds and does not appear to be influenced by the seed type. Additional study of this observed phenomenon is required. A thorough pulmonary workup failed to reveal any short-term harmful side effects; however, long-term follow-up is needed. Healthcare providers should discuss the possibility of pulmonary seed migration with patients with prostate cancer considering prostate brachytherapy.