A prostate seed implant is a type of internal radiation therapy often referred to as "Brachytherapy." This minimally invasive procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis.
What is involved in a prostate seed implant?
A seed implant is performed under anesthesia in the operating room. Both the patient’s urologist and radiation oncologist are present. These experts place tiny radioactive sources, or "seeds’" in the prostate with the assistance of a three-dimensional treatment planning computer under direct guidance by ultrasound and fluoroscopy. Each seed is the size of a grain of rice. The radioactive "seeds" are left in the prostate permanently, delivering treatment in the form of low-energy x-rays over the next several months.
Who is a candidate for a prostate seed implant?
A prostate seed implant is used to treat early stage prostate cancer. The goal of the implant is to kill cancer cells in the prostate with little irritation to surrounding tissues such as the bladder or rectum.
It may also be used with external beam radiation therapy in situations where there is a chance of spread of the cancer outside the prostate gland. A seed implant may be an option for those men who do not wish to have a prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate) or who are not a surgical candidate because of health reasons. Be sure to discuss your treatment options with your urologist and radiation oncologist.