Print This Page
Brachytherapy
Prostate Seed Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is the implantation of tiny radioactive "seeds" into the prostate gland. The specified radiation emitted by the radioactive "seeds" kill the tumor cells. This procedure can be combined with external-beam radiation to increase the radiation dose while sparing normal tissues from damage.
Complex 3 dimensional planning of the prostate is done prior to implantation using transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) which creates a three-dimensional map of the prostate. The computer then calculates the volume of the gland, and the number of radioactive "seeds" that are needed along with the specific location where they should be placed.
The procedure, performed on an outpatient basis, takes 45 to 60 minutes and is done under local (spinal) anesthesia. The radioactive seeds are placed by special needles that are inserted through the perineum into the prostate. The seeds contain a radioactive isotope (usually Palladium 103 or Iodine 125), which emits radiation for about 3 months before becoming inert. Brachytherapy patients are discharged the same day and can resume normal activity within two days.
High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy
This type of radiation treatment refers to a very small radioactive source, approximately the size of the tip of a pencil, which is connected to a computer controlled delivery wire and placed into the target region to be treated. This technique allows high doses of radiation to be delivered to tumors. Delivery of HDR radiation is administered using a state-of-the-art, automated, remote after-loading device for the placement of the radioactive source. The radioactive implants are temporary lasting anywhere from minutes to hours and are given in fractionated dose approximately 6 hours apart.
Low Dose Rate (LDR) Brachytherapy
This technique delivers low dose rate (LDR) radiation to tumor areas. These are usually temporary implants. The implanted radioactive sources would either be removed after a few days or in the case of an "interstitial" implant, such as interstitial implants of the prostate gland, those sources would remain in place permanently and eventually become completely inactive.
Intraopertive Radiation Therapy (IORT)
IORT involves the delivery of high dose radiation by a high activity radiation source housed in a shielded, computer-controlled device and programmed so that the radiation source can be delivered into the patient by remote control. The radiation source enters the patient through a special pencil thin flexible catheter, which is able to conform to most anatomical shapes.
