Brachytherapy (radiation seed implant)

Brachytherapy is ultrasound guided insertion of radioactive "seeds" - approximately the size of a grain of rice - into the body.

Types of brachytherapy:

Low-dose rate (LDR)
Radioactive seeds are put implanted into the prostate via needles positioned between the scrotum and the anus. The radioactive nature of the seeds diminishes with time.

• Permanent implantation of radiation seeds
• Radiation administered over several months

High-dose rate (HDR)
Hollow tubes (catheters) are positioned into the prostate, and radioactive material is maneuvered within the catheters, via remote control, according to a predetermined treatment plan. When the prescribed radiation doses at each positioning is achieved, the catheters are removed.

• Temporary implantation of radiation seeds
• Radiation administered in a period of minutes and repeated two-three times over several days