What happens during prostate seeding?
During the brachytherapy procedure, tiny radioactive seeds are injected into the prostate with hollow needles. Ultrasound guides the physician as to placement of the seeds. The radioactive seeds of either Iodine-125 or Palladium-103 are then inserted. The seeds deliver high doses of radiation within the prostate, resulting in less damage to surrounding healthy cells.
Do the seeds need to be removed?
The seeds, which are about the size of a grain of rice, emit radiation for several months, then become inactive. They do not have to be removed.
What are the benefits of radioactive seeding for prostate cancer?
Benefits include:
1. the one-time procedure is minimally-invasive,
2. side effects associated with prostate removal, such as impotence (loss of sexual function) and incontinence (loss of bladder control), are greatly reduced,
3. placing the radioactive seeds directly into the prostate allows for a more concentrated radiation dose than if administered by external beam radiation alone,
4. recovery time is quicker - patients are generally back to normal activities in a day or two, compared to several days in the hospital and weeks of recovery for radical prostatectomy, the surgical procedure that removes the prostate, and,
5. the nature of the procedure and the shorter hospital stay translate into considerable cost-savings for patients, insurance companies and our health care system.
Who should consider prostate seeding?
After prostate cancer is diagnosed, graded and staged, you should discuss all your treatment options with your physician. Candidates for radiation seeding are typically those with early-stage prostate cancer that has not spread outside the prostate. The procedure might also be considered for men whose age or medical conditions make other treatment options a risk.
How effective is prostate seeding compared to other treatment options?
Prostate cancer research presented at the American Urological Association meeting in 1997 reported that seed implants are just as effective as other treatment options for men with early-stage prostate cancer. Long-term follow-up of patients treated with radioactive seeds shows a 90% disease-free survival rate, and lower complication rates than surgery (radical prostatectomy) and external beam radiation.
What can I expect during the prostate radiation seeding procedure?
A radiation oncologist and urologist lead the team of medical professionals. The 45 - 60 minute procedure is typically performed in a surgical suite, with anesthesia. The use of sophisticated ultrasound equipment allows the physicians to precisely place between 40 and 80 seeds into the prostate gland. Patients stay in the hospital overnight or go home the same day, and are back to normal activities within a few days. Some men experience mild discomfort for two to three days, which can be managed very effectively with analgesics.
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Source:
http://www.acctx.com/brachy.htm
