Prostate
seed implants, also known as brachytherapy, is a proven way to treat prostate
cancer for appropriate patients. Oncology Hematology Care radiation oncologists
collaborate with physicians from The Urology Group to perform this procedure at The
Urology Center.
With prostate seed implants, radioactive materials are temporarily
placed within the body, usually to give an extra dose—or boost—of radiation. Radiation
hits the prostate first, and only then strikes normal tissues. While the
implant technique has been around for decades, recent advances in imaging
technology have made it more effective. Using ultrasound to see the prostate
gland better, physicians can place each seed in the prostate more carefully and
better control the effect on surrounding tissues.
Long-term results for up to
10—12 years show that ultrasound-guided radioactive implantation is highly
effective in controlling prostate cancer and has essentially the same result as
surgery or external radiation for appropriately selected low-risk prostate
cancer patients.