BRACHYTHERAPY

Brachytherapy (Iodine-125 Seeds) 

Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy. For prostate cancer, it involves placing tiny radioactive seeds directly into the prostate gland. These seeds emit low doses of radiation over several months, targeting cancer cells while sparing most of the healthy tissue around them.

The seeds used are made of Iodine-125 (I-125)—a safe, low-energy radioactive isotope.

Why Choose I-125 Brachytherapy?

• ✅ Effective for early-stage, localized prostate cancer
  
  

• ✅ Minimally invasive, done as a same-day or overnight procedure
  
  

• ✅ Low risk of complications compared to traditional surgery
  
  

• ✅ Preserves urinary and sexual function in many cases
  
  

• ✅ Fewer hospital visits compared to external beam radiation
  
  

Who Is a Good Candidate?

I-125 brachytherapy may be suitable for men with:

• Localized prostate cancer (cancer that hasn’t spread beyond the prostate)
  
  

• PSA levels typically under 10 ng/mL
  
  

• Gleason score of 6 or 7
  
  

• No significant urinary issues
  
  

Your doctor will recommend this treatment based on your cancer stage, health, and lifestyle.

How the Procedure Works

1. Planning: You’ll undergo imaging (ultrasound, CT, or MRI) to guide seed placement.
   
   

2. Implantation: The seeds are implanted through fine needles under general or spinal anesthesia.
   
   

3. Recovery: Most patients return home the same day or after one night. Normal activities can resume within a few days.
   
   

The I-125 seeds release radiation gradually over a few months and remain in the prostate permanently but become inactive over time.

What to Expect After Treatment

• Mild urinary symptoms (e.g., frequency, urgency) that improve over weeks
  
  

• Sexual function may change but is often preserved
  
  

• PSA levels will drop gradually over time
  
  

You'll have regular follow-ups to monitor your response to treatment.

Possible Side Effects

While most men tolerate I-125 brachytherapy well, some side effects may occur:

• Urinary irritation or obstruction
  
  

• Temporary bowel changes
  
  

• Erectile dysfunction (less common than with surgery)
  
  

• Very low radiation exposure risk to others