BrachytherapyA form of radiotherapy where small radioactive implants are ... Full Definition is a type of radiotherapyTreatment that uses ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells.... Full Definition using implanted seeds. The seeds contain radioactive material that helps kill or shrink cancerCancer is a group of diseases where cells grow abnormally an... Full Definition cells.
Who is this treatment best for?
Men with early-stage prostate cancer that has not spread outside the prostate and who also have relatively small prostate glands.
What to Expect
A radiation oncologist and urologist work together in the operating room to implant radioactive seeds, each the size of a grain of rice, into the prostate using a hollow needle. An anesthesiologist will provide sedation, possibly general anesthesia. The seeds remain in the body permanently. They provide a continuous low dose of radiation over several weeks or months directly into the prostate.
Some doctors use High Dose Rate brachytherapy (HDR) for certain cancers. This procedure is done differently than standard dose brachytherapy. The radiation implants do not remain in the body.
Who orders or performs the treatment?
What are common side effects?
Men may experience pain, a burning sensation or uncomfortable urination, blood in the urine, an urgent feeling to urinate, urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, or diarrhea.