Catawba Valley Medical Center began doing Prostate Cancer Seed Implant in 1998.  Seed implant is a type of brachytherapy (internal radiation therapy) where tiny pellets (seeds) containing radioactive material, such as Iodine-125 or Palladium (PD-103), are implanted directly into the tumor site.  Using ultrasound equipment, the seeds are placed via needles through the perineum into the prostate.  The needles are removed, but the seeds remain in place permanently.  Anywhere from 40 to 130 seeds may be implanted throughout the prostate.  The number of seeds used is calculated based on the size of the prostate. 

Both radioactive iodine and palladium emit low energy radiation, which is primarily absorbed in the treatment area, limiting the exposure to adjacent organs.  The implanted seeds lose their radioactivity over a period of time - about six months for Iodine and three months for Palladium.  Potential danger to family members is almost nonexistence; however, it might be wise to avoid close contact with children and pregnant women for the first two months. 

Not all patients with prostate cancer can be treated with seed implants.  Patients with early-stage, small-volume tumors are the best candidates.  Prostate specific antigen should be 10 or less???  Being a minimally invasive procedure, it is better tolerated than more aggressive surgical options. 

Types and rate of side of effects from radiation therapy are similar to surgery and may include:

• Bowel problems
• Urinary problems
• Impotence
• Fatigue

For more information about seed implants or other types of radiation therapy treatments, contact the Radiation Therapy at Catawba Valley Medical Center.