Brachytherapy, one of the most important tools in radiation oncology, can be used for the treatment of prostate cancer. Brachytherapy addition can increase the efficiency of radiotherapy for patients who are not eligible for surgery in the organ-restricted stages of the prostate cancer. Similar to external irradiation, tumor is effectively destroyed with minimal side effects in brachytherapy. Liv Hospital Radiation Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Merdan Fayda explained 4-dimensional prostate brachytherapy.
Prostate brachytherapy allows irradiation of the cancerous tissue in the prostate from within, instead of external application. Therefore, very successful results can be obtained by targeting the tumor up close with high dose and without damaging the surrounding tissue.
4-Dimensional prostate brachytherapy
Liv Hospital Radiation Oncology Clinic offer real-time imaging guided high dose rapid prostate brachytherapy. HDR (high dose) prostate brachytherapy is performed with real-time transrectal ultrasonography for prostate cancer patients. Brachytherapy can be performed as an addition to external irradiation method IG-IMRT for suitable select patients.
What is the 4-dimensional high dose rapid prostate brachytherapy with real-time imaging guide?
The 4-dimensional prostate brachytherapy technique uses plastic needles inserted into the prostate under real-time transrectal ultrasound guidance. This allows for highly precise treatment planning and accurate delivery, as the entire procedure is continuously monitored with high-resolution imaging. The treatment plan is tailored to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects, based on live images of the prostate and surrounding tissues. The procedure typically lasts about two hours, performed under general or spinal anesthesia. After the needles are removed, patients are usually scheduled for follow-up treatments, such as external radiation or a second brachytherapy session, about a week later.
What are the advantages of prostate brachytherapy?
- Total radiotherapy time is reduced
- Treatment effectiveness is enhanced
- Hormone therapy duration may be shortened
- Damage to surrounding tissues and organs is minimized
- Fewer side effects
- Very low rates of urinary incontinence or urinary tract stenosis
- Typically performed in a single session, with minimal risk of bleeding
Who are eligible for prostate brachytherapy?
- As an adjunct to external radiation therapy (IG-IMRT) for moderate and high-risk prostate cancer patients
- As focal radiotherapy for patients who have relapsed after previous radiation treatment
- As a stand-alone therapy for low-risk patients who are not candidates for surgery
What are the advantages of 4-dimensional high dose prostate brachytherapy over permanent seed brachytherapy?
- Patients can quickly return to their normal daily activities since no radioactive source remains in the body
- Real-time imaging throughout the procedure ensures precise and accurate treatment
- There is no risk of radioactive source displacement, as no permanent radioactive material is left inside the patient
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .