About this page. This is a plain English summary of seed radiotherapy, also called low dose brachytherapy. It does not replace medical advice from your own doctor or specialist.
For full information and references, please read the detailed page.
What is seed radiotherapy?
Seed radiotherapy is the third form of radiotherapy used for prostate cancer. It is also called low dose brachytherapy.
Instead of giving radiation from a machine outside the body (external beam) or through wires that are taken out (HDR brachytherapy), small radioactive seeds are placed permanently inside the prostate. The seeds slowly give a low dose of radiation over many months.
Dr Kooner spent around two weeks training in Seattle, which is the world centre for seed therapy.
How it is done
- The procedure is usually a day case or one overnight stay.
- Under anaesthetic, the seeds are placed through the skin between the scrotum and the back passage. This route is called transperineal.
- Up to about 120 small radioactive pellets ("seeds") are inserted into the prostate.
- Most patients go home the next day.
- The seeds stay in the prostate. The radiation they give off fades over time.
Who is it best for?
Seed radiotherapy is generally used for cancers that are lower grade and lower volume, and is sometimes a good option for older patients.
Getting the technique right is very important. The seeds need to be spaced correctly, otherwise there can be areas of prostate that do not get enough radiation ("cold spots").
Important things to know
- About one in three men have noticeable urinary frequency and urgency afterwards. This usually settles over a few months.
- A small number of men (around 2 to 3 in 100) can have more severe long-term side effects.
- Seed therapy was once thought not to affect erections. Newer evidence suggests that around 4 in 10 men have problems with erections after this treatment, and the effect can build up over time.
- Seed therapy is not the only radiotherapy option. External beam radiotherapy and HDR (wire) brachytherapy are also choices, and the right one depends on your prostate, your cancer, and which side effects you most want to avoid.
- You will be radioactive at a very low level for a short period after the seeds are placed. Your specialist will give you specific written advice about contact with children and pregnant women.
What you can do next
- Read the full detailed page with references.
- Short version: HDR (wire) brachytherapy.
- Short version: external beam radiotherapy.
- Short version overview of treatment options.
- Request a second opinion on a treatment plan.
- Call 02 8382 6980 to make an appointment.