Brachytherapy is a Precision Targeted Prostate Cancer Treatment
Brachytherapy is a prostate cancer treatment that inserts tiny radioactive seeds—each about the size of a sesame seed—directly into the prostate gland. These seeds contain a low-dose radioactive isotope called Palladium-103. Once implanted, they deliver a steady dose of radiation over several weeks, targeting and destroying cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The seeds remain in the prostate permanently but stop emitting radiation after a period.
Low Dose Radiation (LDR) Brachytherapy offers millimeter-level precision, allowing for tailored radiation delivery that minimizes exposure to nearby tissues. It is a one-time outpatient procedure. No hospital stay is required. The procedure takes between 30 to 60 minutes, and most patients return to their daily activities the next day with minimal or no discomfort.
Lower Rate of Side Effects – Compared to many conventional prostate cancer treatments, modern brachytherapy with offers patients a prostate cancer treatment option that has fewer sexual, urinary, and gastrointestinal side effects.
Who is a Candidate?
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 men with intermediate or high-risk prostate cancers or those at greater risk of cancer spreading beyond the prostate.
A multidisciplinary team delivering advanced treatment options
In collaboration with Western Radiation Oncology, the Conrad Pearson Clinic provides a team of three expert physicians specializing in urology and radiation oncology. This team is committed to offering the most advanced, individualized care for each patient.
Steven Kurtzman, M.D. – Director of Prostate Brachytherapy
Board-certified radiation oncologist with national recognition for his real-time brachytherapy expertise. He has trained physicians across the U.S. and served on advisory boards for leading brachytherapy organizations.
Ankit Agarwal, M.D. – Director of Radiation Therapy
A radiation oncologist with a focus on innovative prostate cancer treatments. Dr. Agarwal has treated over 1,000 men with intraoperative brachytherapy and contributes significantly to research and professional leadership.
John Shumway, M.D. – Radiation Oncologist
An experienced oncologist utilizing SRS, SBRT, image-guided and adaptive radiotherapy, brachytherapy, and gel spacer placement. Dr. Shumway is also a published researcher and frequent speaker at national oncology conferences.
Where is Brachytherapy Available?
Now available through the Conrad Pearson Clinic at the Wolf River Surgery Center in Germantown—it is a convenient, accessible alternative to hospital-based procedures. Patients benefit from personalized care, simpler logistics, and typically lower costs. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the Western Radiation Oncology Team at 650-960-7397.
