Low-dose-rate seed brachytherapy
Dozens of rice-grain-sized radioactive seeds are implanted permanently in the prostate in a single procedure and deliver their dose over months.
Overview
Permanent seed implantation uses iodine-125 or palladium-103 seeds placed through the perineum under ultrasound guidance in a one-off outpatient procedure. It is a curative option for low- and favourable intermediate-risk prostate cancer with control matching surgery and external radiotherapy, and is used as a boost in higher-risk disease (the ASCENDE-RT trial). The same seeds treat some lung and pancreatic tumours at surgery, and plaque brachytherapy with similar isotopes treats uveal melanoma.
How it works
Permanently implanted low-activity sources deliver a continuous low dose rate over weeks to months, exploiting repair differences between tumour and normal tissue.
- Single procedure
- Excellent long-term control in low-risk prostate cancer
- Preserves continence for most
- Urinary symptoms for months
- Not suitable for large glands or prior TURP
- Radiation safety precautions after implant
Tiny metal seeds containing a mildly radioactive form of iodine are permanently placed inside a tumour, most often the prostate, where they slowly release radiation over several months and then become harmless.
A radioactive paste is spread over a thin film placed on top of a skin cancer. The radiation only travels a few millimetres, so it treats the visible tumour without surgery, cutting, or affecting deeper tissue.
Latest papers
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