Radioactive Seed Implantation for Treatment of Prostate Cancer


(implanted March 27, 2001)

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer of the male urinary tract. If not treated early and effectively, prostate cancer can grow locally or can spread to other parts of the body. To prevent its spread after diagnosis, early treatment to either remove or kill cancerous tissue is essential.

While surgical removal of localized prostate cancer is the standard treatment for most patients, this may not be a good option for some patients because of age or other medical problems. As an alternative for appropriately selected patients, Lahey Clinic provides ultrasound-guided radioactive seed implantation of the prostate.

Radiation Therapy Where It is Needed Most

Utilizing a state-of-the-art implantation system that permits highly accurate placement of radioactive seeds into the prostate, a Lahey Clinic team of urology and radiation oncology specialists work to place internal radiation therapy exactly where it is needed most. All required radiation is implanted directly into the prostate during one procedure.

The procedure is performed in the hospital with anesthesia, and general takes two hours to complete. The procedure may require a temporary catheter in the bladder for several days and may cause minor side effects such as blood in the urine and/or burning or discomfort with urination for a few days. Some patients have an increase in urinary frequency and/or burning with urination for several months.

Results show that seed implant can be an effective substitute for traditional radiation therapy techniques in may patients. Although not enough time has elapsed to fully evaluate seed implant results compared to surgery, results so far are similar.

Becoming a Candidate for Seed Implantation Therapy

Patients with early-stage and small prostate tumors are the best candidates for seed implantation. The development of sensitive tumor detection techniques (the PSA test) means that prostate cancer patients are being diagnosed at earlier stages, permitting more patients to become potential candidates for therapy. Your doctor will meet with you to review your diagnosis, discuss treatment options for prostate cancer and determine if you are a candidate for seed implantation.

If you are interested in prostate seed implantation and would like more information, you can ask your doctor to schedule a visit to the Lahey Clinic Department of Urology. You may also contact the department directly at (781) 744- 8420.

** We pioneered and have the largest experience in HIGH DOSE RATE Brachytherapy for prostate cancer in New England.

If you and your own urologist have already chosen seed implantation as your treatment program, your or your doctor can contact the Department of Radiation Oncology directly at
(781) 744-8780.

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