Brachytherapy (Seed Implant)​

​Brachytherapy uses tiny radioactive "seeds" implanted into the prostate gland. The seeds, the size of a grain of rice, remain in the prostate permanently to deliver continuous, low-dose radiation over several months. This treatment can be used alone for lower-risk patients or in combination with IG-IMRT for patients with higher-risk prostate cancer. Brachytherapy is effective at sparing surrounding healthy tissue from external radiation.

What Can I Expect with Brachytherapy?

The procedure will be done under ultrasound guidance while you are asleep. The seeds target cancerous tissue while sparing healthy tissue. Seeds contain iodine or palladium and are about four millimeters long and less than a millimeter in diameter. They give off radiation continually for weeks or months, depending on the dose and material, and stay in place safely after they are inactive.

What are the Side Effects of Brachytherapy?

Men who undergo brachytherapy may experience more urinary irritation than men who receive external beam radiation. They may also need a catheter for urination for a time after the procedure. Though the seeds will not make you radioactive, it is recommended that you sleep alone, avoid sex, and do not let children sit on your lap while the seeds are active.