Brachytherapy is an important form of cancer treatment that utilizes radioactive seeds such as Iodine-125 or Palladium-103. It’s less invasive than surgery but equally effective compared to other treatments. For instance, patients with prostate cancer can often undergo brachytherapy as an outpatient procedure and return to their normal activities within a few days.

The procedure is relatively short, usually lasting between 45 minutes to 1 hour. Compared to Palladium-103, Iodine-125 brachytherapy tends to produce lower radiation exposure. Most prostate cancers are indolent and respond well to Iodine-125’s longer half-life. These radioactive seeds emit controlled bursts of gamma radiation with a half-life of 59 days, precisely destroying cancerous cells while minimizing damage to nearby healthy tissues.

Modern imaging techniques such as 3D CT/MRI rendering allow doctors to accurately calculate the radiation dose required to eradicate malignant cells while safeguarding surrounding tissues. Radiation dosage and seed distribution are carefully planned to ensure safe and effective treatment.

How is Brachytherapy Performed?

Before the procedure, an ultrasound volume study assesses the size and position of the tumor and nearby organs. During the pre-planning phase, the number and placement of radioactive seeds are determined using advanced internal dosimetry models. Under regional anesthesia, the seeds are implanted using ultrasound or CT guidance for maximum precision. Typically, between 20 to 100 seeds are placed during the procedure.

Advantages

Brachytherapy can be performed through minimally invasive or open approaches, depending on the case. Unlike traditional radiotherapy, it causes fewer side effects and doesn’t expose the entire body to radiation. The implanted seeds can safely remain inside the patient without posing risks to others nearby.

Possible Side Effects

Most patients experience only mild discomfort that resolves within a few days. In some cases, prostate cancer patients may develop temporary urinary symptoms such as increased frequency or urgency, which generally appear two weeks after the procedure. Staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol or caffeine can help relieve these symptoms.

Some individuals — particularly those with previous prostate surgeries — may experience mild incontinence or, in older patients, some degree of impotence. However, implants using Iodine-125 seeds tend to have a lower risk of these side effects compared to other treatment forms.