Brachytherapy is ideal for men with early-stage prostate cancer that is less likely to spread beyond the prostate. It may also be combined with other treatments for intermediate or high-risk cases. Final recommendations depend on your PSA, biopsy results, imaging, prostate size, urinary symptoms, and overall health.
Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer in Atlanta
Our board-certified urologists offer low-dose brachytherapy as part of a personalized prostate cancer treatment plan tailored to your diagnosis and goals.
What Is Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer?
Brachytherapy for prostate cancer involves the insertion of tiny radioactive seeds, each about the size of a sesame seed, directly into the prostate gland. The seeds used in low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy contain a radioactive isotope called Palladium-103. Once implanted, the seeds emit a continuous low dose of radiation over several weeks, targeting cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Eventually, the seeds stop delivering radiation, and they remain in the prostate for life.
LDR prostate brachytherapy is a well-established radiation therapy for prostate cancer, with long-term cancer control reported across numerous clinical studies. When performed with intraoperative real-time adaptive planning, LDR brachytherapy delivers millimeter-level precision, allowing your physician to sculpt the radiation dose to your specific anatomy. This approach also allows the dose to be escalated to areas of concern while keeping radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue to a minimum.
For men with localized prostate cancer, prostate seed implant therapy offers an effective, minimally invasive alternative to surgery, with a recovery time that allows most patients to return to normal activities within days.
How Does Brachytherapy Work?
The low-dose brachytherapy procedure is straightforward, minimally invasive, and completed in a single outpatient visit. Here is what you can expect from start to finish.
Who Is a Candidate for Brachytherapy?
Have early-stage, localized prostate cancer confined to the prostate gland
Have a prostate size and urinary function suitable for seed implantation
Prefer a minimally invasive outpatient procedure with a fast recovery
Have a PSA level and Gleason score consistent with low to intermediate risk disease
Have intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer and are combining brachytherapy with other treatments
Want to preserve urinary and sexual function while receiving effective radiation therapy
Brachytherapy Side Effects
One of the most significant advantages of modern LDR brachytherapy is its mild side effects. Compared to many conventional prostate cancer treatments, LDR brachytherapy has lower rates of sexual, urinary, and gastrointestinal side effects. That said, some temporary side effects are normal as your body adjusts following the prostate seed implant procedure.
Urinary Side Effects
Increased urinary frequency, urgency, or a weak urine stream are the most common side effects. These are temporary and typically improve on their own over several months.
Sexual Side Effects
Most men retain sexual function following LDR brachytherapy. Some may notice changes in erectile function over time, though rates of sexual side effects are lower with brachytherapy than with surgery or external beam radiation.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Because the seeds are implanted directly into the prostate, radiation exposure to the rectum is minimal. Gastrointestinal side effects are uncommon with modern, precisely planned LDR brachytherapy.
Long-Term Side Effects
Long-term side effects are generally low when the procedure is performed with real-time adaptive planning. Regular follow-up appointments allow your care team to monitor your PSA levels and address any concerns early.
