Radiation
Oncology Department -
Radioactive Seed Implant
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Where is the prostate? The prostate lies just above the base of the penis, below the bladder, and above the rectum. Prostate size and shape varies considerably among men, but is roughly the size and shape of a large walnut. It produces the fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation. The urethra passes through the prostate allowing urine to flow from the bladder to the outside during urination.
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What is prostate cancer? Normal cells reproduce by growing, dividing and replacing worn-out or injured tissue. For an unknown reason, prostate cancer produces uncontrolled growth of abnormal prostate cells. The cancer grows aggressively or slowly, and symptoms or problems may not appear for months or years. Prostate cancer is rare in men under age 40, although risk increases with age. Several examinations and tests help physicians monitor prostate health. The digital rectal exam (DRE) allows the physician to feel any prostate irregularities. Evaluating the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood level signals potential for prostate cancer. More specific follow-up may include a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and biopsy. The combination of DRE, PSA and TRUS with follow-up evaluation provides a highly reliable and effective means to detect prostate cancer.
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What are radioactive seeds? Radioactive seed implants (brachytherapy for prostate cancer) are tiny pellets of radioactive medication, such as Iodine-125 or Palladium-103. The surgeon positions the seeds in a pattern to distribute radiation throughout the prostate. Each seed irradiates a small area, and little radiation reaches the adjacent organs, the rectum or the bladder. The seeds continuously emit low-level radiation for about one year.
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How is the implant procedure done? The seed implant procedure does not require a surgical incision. Thin needles, inserted between the scrotum and rectum, enter the prostate. The needles contain pre-loaded seeds the surgeon implants in the prostate. The number of seeds required varies with each patient depending on the size of the prostate. After placing the appropriate number of seeds, the surgeon removes the needles.
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What are the benefits of
prostate seed implant?
Same-day, outpatient
surgery
Seed implantation is normally done as an outpatient procedure, with a possible overnight stay for observation.
Higher concentration of
radiation
The seeds, placed directly into the prostate, can deliver two to three times more
concentrated radiation to the prostate than
external radiation therapy.
Fewer side
effects
Incontinence, leakage of urine from the penis, occurs in less than one percent of patients.
Impotence occurs in less than 15 percent of patients younger than 70. For patients over the age of 70, impotence occurs more often.
More easily tolerated than other treatments.
This procedure is well suited to older patients because it is more tolerable than radical prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate) or external beam radiation therapy (normally once a day, five days a week over a seven or eight week period).
For more information on this treatment
call (218) 720-1334.
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