Focal Brachytherapy
Cancer Treatment Services
Focal Brachytherapy Services
If you’ve been diagnosed with localized prostate cancer, focal brachytherapy provides a minimally invasive treatment choice. At the Prostate Cancer Institute of America, our specialists use low-dose rate (LDR) focal brachytherapy to target and eliminate prostate cancer cells. Contact us today to request a focal brachytherapy consultation, or book your appointment online.
What is focal brachytherapy?
Focal brachytherapy involves implanting radioactive “seeds” to treat only the cancerous portion of the prostate gland rather than the entire prostate gland. Once placed, the seeds emit radiation that kills the cancer cells and spars normal tissue. This may result in less side effects.
Since the seeds are small and emit only a certain amount of radiation, treatment doesn’t harm the rest of your body.
Who is a candidate for focal brachytherapy?
Men who have localized prostate cancer in certain regions of the prostate may be candidates for focal brachytherapy.
What does focal brachytherapy involve?
Focal brachytherapy is an outpatient procedure that typically takes less than an hour.
The procedure is done with general anesthesia, causing you to sleep. Using ultrasound guidance, the prostate gland is visualized. Using real-time, AI assisted planning, a radiation plan is generated. Radiative seeds are deposited in set positions within the prostate gland. These seeds emit a low dose of radiation over a period and then become inert. A hydrogel is then placed between the prostate and rectum to protect the rectum from radiation. Once this is complete, the patient is moved to the recovery room, and he goes home shortly thereafter.
What is recovery like after focal brachytherapy?
After focal brachytherapy, you need someone to drive you home. After resting for the rest of the day, most men are able to resume normal activity the next day.