LDR/HDR Brachytherapy

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LDR Brachytherapy

In Low Dose Rate (LDR) brachytherapy, small radiation sources (commonly called seeds) - about the size of a grain of rice - are permanently implanted into the prostate using a needle. Ultrasound imaging is used to accurately guide the needles for proper placement of the radioactive seeds. The procedure takes approximately 1 to 3 hrs and is typically performed in a hospital outpatient facility. Most patients return to their normal activities within several days.

May be recommended if the cancer has not spread outside of the prostate gland. Benefits and advantages:

• Minimally invasive procedure
• May not require hospital stay
• As effective as other therapies
• Little to no effect on patient's lifestyle and level of activity
• Less likely to develop impotence than other treatment options

Possible risks and side effects:

• Blood in the urine
• Impotence (not being able to have or keep an erection)
• Incontinence (the loss of urinary control)
• Stress incontinence (the passing of small amounts of urine during certain physical activities like sneezing)
• Frequent urination

HDR Brachytherapy

Treatment with High Dose Rate brachytherapy involves placing catheters through the perineum into the prostate via implant needles. Radioactive iridium-192 or cesium-137 is then placed in the catheters, usually for 5 to 15 minutes for 3 treatments per day. Treatments are usually given from one to three days. The radioactive isotope is inserted at the beginning of and removed after each treatment.

Benefits and advantages:

• Minimally invasive
• Usually combined with external beam radiation treatment
• May not require a hospital stay
• Little to no effect on patient's lifestyle and level of activity

Possible risks and side effects:

• Pain
• Impotence (not being able to have or keep an erection)
• Frequent or difficult urination