Deliver treatment directly to tumor

Brachytherapy is the placement of radioactive sources, or “seeds,” in close proximity to the tumors, or sometimes directly into the tissues. Brachytherapy is delivered in two ways. With high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, the radioactive sources are placed only temporarily. Or, with low-dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy, the seeds may be left in place permanently. The type used depends upon your cancer.

Brachytherapy is slow-acting internal radiation therapy that involves placing radioactive “seeds” close to the tumor or directly into the tissue. Brachytherapy for prostate cancer places these seeds inside a man’s prostate gland. This treatment is also sometimes called seed implantation.

Is a seed implant for prostate cancer right for me?

Your oncological specialist may recommend brachytherapy for early, slow-growing prostate cancer. It may be the only necessary treatment. Brachytherapy may still be an option for more advanced prostate cancer at risk of spreading, but it’s usually combined with external radiation.

You may not be a candidate for prostate cancer brachytherapy if you have had a transurethral resection of the prostate or if you have a large prostate gland.

What to expect from a brachytherapy procedure at Goshen Center for Cancer Care

During prostate cancer brachytherapy, your surgeon inserts a needle into the prostate gland. The needle delivers about 100 seeds into the prostate. You’ll be under anesthesia, so you won’t feel the needle.

If your seeds are placed permanently, they don’t cause discomfort, even after they aren’t radioactive. If the seeds are placed temporarily, your surgeon leaves a thin catheter tube in place for about three days. You will have multiple treatments to remove the seeds. The catheter is removed after all the treatments are complete.

Prostate cancer brachytherapy side effects

Brachytherapy side effects are less severe than with traditional radiation therapy. The radiation travels a very short distance from the seeds to the cancer, sparing much more healthy tissue from the effects of radiation.

Prostate cancer brachytherapy side effects may include:

• Rectal pain
• Diarrhea
• Frequent urination
• Erectile dysfunction

Side effects from brachytherapy generally improve over time. Younger men and those with good sexual function beforehand are less likely to have long-term problems.

If the seeds are placed permanently, they remain radioactive for several weeks to months. This means you give off low amounts of radiation. To be safe, your doctor may recommend avoiding children and pregnant women and wearing a condom during sex.