Seed implants, or high-dose radiation brachytherapy, treat cancer from within specific tumor sites, as opposed to delivery of external radiation therapy. Seed implantation involves placing very tiny plastic catheters near the tumor site, and then delivering a series of radiation treatments through these catheters.
Benefits of Seed Implants
These treatments offer a substantial reduction in overall treatment time, combined with the ability to treat cancers from within specific tumor sites, as opposed to delivery of external radiation therapy.
Cancer Types
This technique provides lower toxicity to normal structures and organs and offers proven benefits for certain patients with:
- Breast cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
Prostate Seed Implants
Used to treat prostate cancer, these tiny radioactive pellets called "seeds" are implanted directly into the prostate, where they emit low levels of radiation over a few months, minimizing the dose of radiation to the bladder and rectum. The use of ultrasound guidance ensures accurate seed implantation.