Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer

Brachytherapy, also called interstitial implantation therapy, involves the placement of tiny radioactive seeds or pellets directly into the prostate gland.  The brachytherapy radioactive seeds can either be inserted temporarily, or can remain permanently in place within the prostate.  They provide a high dose of radiation that is concentrated in the prostate.  Permanent brachytherapy seeds pose no health threat to the patient, as they decay within 7 months to a year, and thereafter, they become inert.

Mapping the positioning of brachytherapy "seeds."

Brachytherapy has a fairly long history. As early as 1917, a rude form of seed implantation using radium needles was performed at what is now Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The 1980s saw renewed interest in brachytherapy for prostate cancer treatment because the development of ultrasound imaging, CT scans and fluoroscopic techniques allowed for precise planning and monitoring of where the seeds should be placed. Since that time, brachytherapy has become a standard mainstream treatment for prostate cancer.

Actual computerized brachytherapy treatment plan, depicting "extracapsular seed placement".

In more recent years, a minimally invasive brachytherapy for prostate cancer treatment technique has been devised for implanting the seeds in the prostate without open surgery (know as “transperineal implantation”).  Guided by ultrasound and fluoroscopy, the seeds are dispensed through tiny hollow needles which are inserted through the perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus).  A template or grid is used to precisely guide the placement of the needles.  Ultrasound allows for real time imaging and dynamic visualization during the brachytherapy procedure.  As the technology has evolved with color-flow Doppler ultrasound, a more precise, three-dimensional image of the prostate can be generated,  and the brachytherapy seeds can be more accurately placed, where they will be most effective.  As with external radiation therapy, the strategy has been to target and destroy the cancer with minimal exposure to surrounding healthy tissue and organs.  The computerized guidance system helps determine where the seeds should go, how deeply they should be inserted, and how strong their radiation should be.  Today, brachytherapy for prostate cancer treatment has become a standard mainstream treatment. 

Advantages of Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer Treatment

Brachytherapy, with ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance, has a number of advantages over conventional external beam radiation therapy.  With Brachytherapy, seed implants are placed internally to deliver radiation directly to the prostate while sparing surrounding organs. In addition, radiation delivered by seeds is continuous over the time they are active, working around the clock to kill the cancer. 

Are You Eligible for Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer Treatment

Most patients can safely tolerate the brachytherapy implant procedure as it is minimally invasive and requires only light anesthesia.  Men with a history of heart disease or stroke are usually given a thorough medical evaluation, including a cardiac test, before proceeding with brachytherapy seed implantation.  If you are a candidate for surgery, you are almost surely also a candidate for brachytherapy seed implants. 

Brachytherapy Cure Rates for Prostate Cancer Treatment

The 10-year and 14-year cure rates for brachytherapy or combination therapy using brachytherapy and external radiation (3D-CRT or IMRT) are as good or better than results achieved with other treatment modalities, including surgical removal of the prostate.  Brachytherapy cure rates are typically 90% or higher for low risk patients receiving brachytherapy, while even intermediate and high risk patients may enjoy an approximate 80% cure rate when brachytherapy is combined with external radiation. 

Additional Information for Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer Treatment

To schedule a screening or find out more about brachytherapy for prostate cancer treatment please contact our brachytherapy prostate cancer specialists at the Dattoli Cancer Center (941) 957-1221. With over 16 Years of Documented Prostate Cancer Treatment Success Achievement and the Best Prostate Cancer Treatment Cure Rates in the World, we look forward to helping you.