What do you mean by Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer?

Brachytherapy for prostate cancer is a treatment that uses small radioactive seeds inserted directly into the prostate gland to destroy cancer cells. This procedure is also known as permanent brachytherapy or low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy, as the radioactive seeds remain inside the prostate after treatment. It is considered an effective option for men whose prostate cancer is confined to the prostate and has not spread to other parts of the body.

What do you mean by Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer?

Brachytherapy for prostate cancer is a form of internal radiation treatment used to manage prostate cancer. The procedure involves positioning small radioactive sources close to or inside the cancerous area within the prostate.

During prostate brachytherapy, doctors use an ultrasound-guided device. They accurately insert tiny radioactive pellets into the prostate gland where the cancer is located. These radioactive implants deliver controlled amounts of radiation directly to the tumour while limiting exposure to nearby healthy tissues.

There are several forms of brachytherapy available for prostate cancer treatment. But permanent (LDR) low-dose-rate brachytherapy remains a widely adopted treatment approach. In this approach, the radioactive seeds slowly release radiation over several months, usually around 10 to 12 months, before becoming inactive. The seeds remain safely inside the prostate permanently after the radiation has faded. Specialists may also refer to these implants as “radioactive seeds” or “capsules” during treatment.

What is the procedure for brachytherapy for prostate cancer?

Prostate brachytherapy is usually performed under anaesthesia to keep the patient comfortable throughout the treatment. Before the procedure starts, the medical team prepares the patient and provides medication to help them relax.

During treatment, imaging guidance helps the specialist accurately target the prostate gland. An ultrasound probe inserted into the rectum provides real-time images of the prostate, helping the doctor accurately plan the placement of the treatment.

Small radioactive seeds are then inserted into the prostate through thin needles passed through the perineum, the area located between the scrotum and the anus. The number of seeds used varies for each patient and depends on the size and position of the tumour within the prostate.

The implanted seeds slowly deliver radiation directly to the cancer over time while reducing exposure to nearby healthy tissues. In most cases, the procedure is completed within about one to one and a half hours.

How effective is it?

Brachytherapy is considered a highly effective treatment option for many men with prostate cancer, particularly when the disease is confined to the prostate gland. Treatment outcomes can vary from person to person depending on factors such as the stage of cancer and overall health.

Studies evaluating long-term results have shown excellent survival rates following permanent low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy. In one long-term analysis, approximately 97% of patients were still living 17 years after undergoing treatment.

Even after successful treatment, regular follow-up appointments and prostate cancer screening tests remain important. Your healthcare specialist will advise you on the appropriate schedule for ongoing monitoring and check-ups.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy targets the prostate tumour by placing radiation close to the cancer site, allowing effective treatment while reducing radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissues and organs. Because the treatment is highly targeted, it is often associated with a lower risk of long-term side effects compared with some other forms of radiation therapy.

Many patients benefit from fewer complications and improved preservation of nearby structures, making brachytherapy an effective treatment option for suitable cases of localised prostate cancer.

What are the effects of the procedure?

Immediate Side Effects

Some side effects can occur soon after the procedure and are usually temporary. These may include:

• Tenderness and slight pain in the are of treatment
• Swelling or bruising around the perineum
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Mild discomfort during urination
• Temporary tiredness or fatigue

Short-Term Side Effects

During the weeks or months after treatment, some patients may experience urinary or bowel-related symptoms, such as:

• Frequent urination
• Sudden urge to urinate
• Burning sensation while passing urine
• Weak urine flow
• Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
• Mild bowel irritation or rectal discomfort
• Loose stools in some cases

Long-Term Side Effects

Long-term complications are less common but can occur in certain patients over time. Possible long-term side effects include:

• Ongoing urinary problems
• Changes in bowel habits
• Erectile dysfunction
• Persistent urinary irritation
• Narrowing of the urethra, which may require further treatment

Recovery After Prostate Brachytherapy

Most patients recover fairly quickly after brachytherapy and can resume normal day-to-day activities within a few days. Even though recovery is usually smooth, it’s important to give the body enough rest during the initial healing period.

Following treatment, patients are usually encouraged to avoid activities that put excessive pressure or strain on the pelvic area for a few weeks. Exercises or sports such as cycling and horseback riding may irritate the treated area and are best avoided for around two months.

When Medical Advice Is Needed

Follow-up care remains important after treatment. Patients should contact their doctor if side effects persist longer than expected, become difficult to manage, or begin to affect routine activities. Any unusual or new symptoms should also be checked promptly, as they may require further evaluation.

Conclusion

Brachytherapy is a well-established and minimally invasive treatment option for localised prostate cancer. Delivering radiation directly into the prostate helps target cancer cells while reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. With good long-term treatment outcomes, shorter recovery time, and fewer complications compared with some other radiation therapies, brachytherapy remains an important treatment choice for many prostate cancer patients.

FAQs