Treatment Process

What should I expect during treatment?  How long will it take?  Patients are bound to have many questions.  We have anticipated and answered the most frequently asked questions about the treatment process.  We also provide procedure overviews that you can download and use with patients.

Prostate Brachytherapy Process

Treatment Planning
The radiation oncologist prescribes the type and number of the seeds required to treat the cancer.  The prostate gland is measured with an ultrasound study.  The images of prostate, taken in small increments, are downloaded to a computer.  A medical physicist generates a plan for seed placement based on the shape and volume of the prostate gland.

Treatment Delivery
Throughout the procedure, the patient is positioned on the operating table with his legs up in stirrups.  A needle template is placed against the perineum, the area between the scrotum and anus.

Guided by the template, Prospera seeds are inserted using long, thin needles.  There are multiple methods of inserting the seeds.  Loose seeds or strands of seeds may be used, depending on which is best according to the individual treatment plan.  Typically 80 to 150 seeds are implanted, based on the size of prostate.

Ultrasound imaging ensures that the seeds are properly placed.  The seeds are then implanted and the empty needles withdrawn.  After all the seeds have been implanted, a CT scan or fluoroscope imaging may be used to verify proper seed placement.

The procedure takes 45 minutes to an hour, followed by several hours for recovery and observation.

The seeds are extremely small and minimize discomfort.  The radiation does not pose a threat to others.  Over time the radiation decays, allowing the seeds to remain in place even after treatment has ceased.

After Treatment
Patients may be advised by their physician to be careful of strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and applying pressure to the area for six weeks after the procedure.  After that, they may resume normal activities.