A 63-year-old patient from Australia recently underwent a highly advanced prostate cancer treatment at the American Hospital Dubai, known for offering cutting-edge medical procedures in the region. 
Diagnosed with intermediate-risk prostate cancer, the patient received real-time, ultrasound-guided prostate high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, which is considered the latest gold-standard treatment for this condition. Administered under spinal anesthesia, the patient underwent two half-day treatment sessions with a 10-day interval. Remarkably, the patient experienced a swift recovery and was able to return home the same evening with the aid of supportive pain medications. The efficiency of the treatment, especially beneficial for a busy professional, stood out, as it significantly reduced the treatment duration compared to alternative methods.
Real-time, ultrasound-guided HDR brachytherapy is an innovative treatment that combines ultrasound imaging and internal radiation to target cancerous cells. This approach allows clinicians to precisely demarcate radiation and distribute dosages, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. In contrast to conventional methods, which involve separate stages for ultrasound imaging and treatment delivery, this integrated approach streamlines surgical planning, process, and performance.
Furthermore, HDR brachytherapy proves to be cost-effective, carries a lower risk of complications, and promotes faster patient recovery by prioritizing comfort and effectiveness.
Dr. Tarek Dufan, Chief of Radiation Oncology at American Hospital Dubai, led the high-precision ultrasound-guided procedure. The treatment utilized a radioactive source known as iridium-192, increasingly favored as a monotherapy for treating low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancers. The multidisciplinary team at American Hospital Dubai, comprising radiotherapy technologists, nurses, medical physicists, anaesthesiologists, radiation oncologists, and urologists, played a pivotal role in the success of the procedure.
Dr. Muhammad Elmussareh, Consultant Urologist at American Hospital Dubai, played a crucial role in reviewing the patient before the procedure. He utilized real-time ultrasound-guided imaging on the day of the procedure, collaborated with the radiation oncology team in reviewing the imaging, and assessed the patient’s lower urinary tract function to optimize the treatment field.
As a regional leader in state-of-the-art cancer treatments and breakthrough therapies, American Hospital Dubai continues to expand its HDR brachytherapy program successfully. The implementation of cutting-edge treatment programs, including trans rectal, real-time, and ultrasound-guided prostate brachytherapy, underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing advanced and effective care for cancer patients.