How Does Seed Implantation Work

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Prostate seed implantation, or brachytherapy, is a procedure to place radioactive rice-sized "seeds" into the cancerous prostate. The goal of the treatment is to kill cancer cells with radiation while preserving healthy tissue. Doctors use the tiny radioactive seeds to target the tumor and to control the area exposed to radiation.

It is the fastest growing method of treating prostate cancer in the United States. After the area is anesthesitized with drugs or substances that cause loss of feeling or awareness, the seeds are injected into the prostate through the skin with a needle in the area between the scrotum and anus. Seeds can be left in place permanently; in which case they give off radiation for weeks or months, and are not removed once the radiation is gone.

Ultrasound and sophisticated computer programs help guide the placement of the radioactive seeds. Ultrasound is a procedure in which high-energy sound waves are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echo patterns are shown on the screen of an ultrasound machine, forming a picture of body tissues called a sonogram. Using the most advanced technology available, the doctor is able to target cancerous areas of the prostate with higher doses of radiation. Typically the entire gland is treated because cancer is likely to be found in more than one area of the prostate gland.

Images of the prostate are taken and transferred to the treatment planning computer. The computer evaluates the exact position of the prostate and generates a three-dimensional plan that dictates the precise placement of the seeds to provide exactly the amount of radiation needed to cover 100% of the prostate gland while minimizing the exposure of healthy tissue such those in the urinary tract and rectum.

The procedure takes about one hour, then the patient walks out of the clinic and is driven home by a friend or family member. Most patients are back to a normal routine within a day or two. Radiation exposure to other people is minimal, so restrictions are recommended only if the patient is returning to a setting where a newborn child or pregnant woman is present.