Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, but thanks to advances in medical technology, there are more treatment options today than ever before — and many are less invasive, more targeted, and come with fewer side effects. One such option is brachytherapy, a type of internal radiation therapy that delivers cancer-fighting energy directly to the prostate gland.

So, how does it work? And is it right for you or a loved one?

What is Brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy is a form of radiation therapy where a radioactive source is placed inside or very close to the tumor. In the case of prostate cancer, that means placing tiny radioactive seeds directly into the prostate gland.

Unlike regular radiation therapy, which sends radiation from outside the body, brachytherapy works from the inside out — providing a highly targeted low dose of radiation to the prostate while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues like the bladder and rectum.

Low-Dose Rate (LDR) Brachytherapy

LDR Brachytherapy can deliver millimeter-level precision to sculpt the radiation dose to your specific anatomy and adjacent areas of concern while minimizing radiation to surrounding tissues. It involves implanting permanent radioactive seeds (about the size of a sesame seed) into the prostate. These seeds slowly release radiation over several weeks or months. The radiation weakens over time and eventually becomes inactive, but the seeds remain in place permanently.

The seeds are LDR (Low Dose Rate) and contain a radioactive isotope called Palladium-103. Once implanted in the prostate, the seeds emit a continuous low radiation dose over several weeks, gradually destroying cancer cells while minimizing damage to nearby healthy tissue.

LDR Brachytherapy with Palladium-103 is a one-time outpatient procedure performed under anesthesia. No overnight stay is needed. The procedure typically less than 30 minutes. Most men return to their normal lives the day after the procedure with minimal to no pain or discomfort.

Who Is a Candidate?

Brachytherapy may be recommended for:

• Men with early-stage prostate cancer (confined to the prostate).
• Those looking for a less invasive alternative to surgery.
• Patients who want a shorter treatment timeline compared to over a month  of daily external radiation.
• In some cases, it may be combined with other treatments for intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer.

A full evaluation by a radiation oncologist and urologist is necessary to determine if brachytherapy is appropriate.

Benefits of Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer

• Precision: Delivers radiation exactly where it’s needed.
• Lower Risk of Side Effects: Reduces exposure to nearby organs.
• Outpatient Procedure: Especially with LDR brachytherapy,  patients go home the same day.
• Quick Recovery: Most men return to normal activities within a few days.
• Effective: Excellent long-term outcomes for early-stage prostate cancer.

Compared to many other conventional treatments for prostate cancer, modern, intraoperatively planned LDR brachytherapy has lower rates of sexual, urinary, and gastrointestinal side effects. While brachytherapy is generally well-tolerated, some men may experience side effects including:

• Urinary issues: Increased frequency, urgency, or discomfort (often temporary).
• Erectile dysfunction: Risk increases over time but may be less than with surgery.
• Bowel symptoms: Mild rectal irritation or bleeding.
• Seed migration (rare): A seed might move slightly, but this rarely causes harm.

Most side effects are manageable and improve with time or medication. Brachytherapy is a highly effective, targeted treatment for prostate cancer — offering many men a chance at beating cancer with fewer long-term complications and a faster return to normal life.

If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about whether brachytherapy is an option for you. Every patient’s situation is unique, and a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan is the best way forward. The Conrad Pearson Clinic offers Brachytherapy in partnership with Western Radiation Oncology in the Wolf River Surgery Center in Germantown.