Radiation therapy is one weapon in the arsenal against prostate cancer. Radiation therapy involves administering high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. In early stage prostate cancer, radiation may be considered instead of surgery, or it may be prescribed after surgery to destroy any cancer cells that remain in the area.
Through the Josephine Ford Cancer Center, the Vatikutti Urology Institute offers its patient access to the latest, high-precision radiation oncology services. We also are the only center in the world offering suicide gene therapy in conjunction with radiation, through Phase III clinical trial, for the treatment of prostate cancer.
What is brachytherapy? Brachytherapy involves placing tiny pellets (also called seeds) containing radioactivity directly into the prostate. Once in place, these implants release radiation directly into the cancer cells. These seed implants are very small (smaller than grains of rice) and are put into place using needles. This procedure is performed using spinal anesthesia that numbs the body from the waist down. General anesthesia also can be used. Placement of the seeds takes about one hour and is done on an outpatient basis.
What is the treatment process? To prepare for treatment, a doctor will do tests to determine the exact size and configuration of the prostate. These studies will allow the doctor to determine where seed implants need to be placed. These implants are permanent; however, they stop giving off radiation after about ten months.
What are the benefits of this treatment? Seed implantation does not require a surgical incision, so a shorter recovery time is needed. Most patients return to normal activities three or four days after the procedure. Because the radioactive seeds are implanted directly into the cancer, healthy tissue is less affected.
Do the implants affect more than the prostate? These seed implants (Iodine-125 for example) give off radiation that does not travel far. In most cases, it does not travel outside of the prostate. The amount of radiation in the seed implants is not considered a risk for others around you.
What are the possible side effects? Radiation therapy can cause minor side effects, such as:
Temporary soreness at the site
Frequent or uncomfortable urination due to the radiation - this decreases within 6 to 12 months after the procedure
