Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, understanding your treatment options is essential. One highly effective and targeted method is brachytherapy, also known as internal radiation therapy. 

At Urology of Greater Atlanta, our team of board-certified urologists and radiation oncologists provide expert care at multiple locations throughout Georgia. Contact us today to learn more!

What is Brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy that involves placing a radioactive material directly into or near the prostate gland. This localized approach allows doctors to deliver a high dose of radiation to cancer cells while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.

Unlike external beam radiation therapy, which sends radiation from outside the body, brachytherapy works from the inside, delivering radiation exactly where it’s needed. It’s a commonly recommended option to treat prostate cancer, especially in its early stages or in combination with other treatments.

Brachytherapy is sometimes combined with Androgen Deprivation Therapy(ADT) to increase a positive outcome.

Types of Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer

There are two main types of brachytherapy treatment for prostate cancer, and the best choice depends on your specific diagnosis and health profile:

• Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy (LDR): Also known as seed implantation, this method uses radioactive seeds about the size of a grain of rice. These seeds are permanently implanted into the prostate and release radiation slowly over time.
• High Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR): Also known as high dose rate HDR brachytherapy, this temporary method uses catheters to deliver high-intensity radioactive material directly into the prostate. The material is removed after a short session, and the treatment may be repeated over several visits.

To learn more about our approach to Prostate Cancer care, visit our Prostate Cancer Service page.

How Should I Prepare for Brachytherapy?

Preparation depends on the type of brachytherapy you’re receiving. Here’s a general overview:

• Consultation: You’ll meet with a radiation oncologist and urologist to determine the right type of brachytherapy treatment for your condition.
• Imaging and Evaluation: Imaging tests such as MRI, CT, or ultrasound help plan the placement of seeds or catheters.
• Medication and Fasting: You may be asked to stop certain medications and fast the night before the procedure.
• Bowel Prep: Some patients need to take a mild laxative or enema to empty the bowel prior to treatment.

Our experienced team will walk you through every step, ensuring you’re fully prepared for a safe and successful procedure.

What Happens During Brachytherapy?

The exact process depends on whether you’re undergoing LDR or HDR brachytherapy:

Low Dose Rate (LDR) Brachytherapy

You’ll be under spinal or general anesthesia while radioactive seeds are placed into the prostate gland using thin needles guided by ultrasound. This usually takes one to two hours, and most patients go home the same day.

High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy

Temporary catheters are inserted into the prostate while you’re under anesthesia. The high dose rate HDR source is placed into the catheters for a short period—usually just minutes—and then removed. This may be done in one or multiple sessions over a few days.

Both types are outpatient or short-stay procedures with relatively quick recovery times.

What Happens After Getting Brachytherapy?

Following prostate brachytherapy, it’s common to experience some soreness and swelling in the perineum—the area between the scrotum and rectum. Applying an ice pack to the region and taking any prescribed pain medication can help manage discomfort during the first few days of recovery.

Most patients are able to return to their regular routines shortly after treatment, depending on how they feel. However, your doctor may advise you to take it easy for a little while. You might be asked to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or other high-impact activities until your body has had time to heal.

As always, the team at Urology of Greater Atlanta will provide you with personalized recovery instructions and follow-up care to ensure a smooth, safe recovery.

Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor your progress and ensure the cancer treatment is effective.

How Long Does the Implant Stay in the Body?

For LDR brachytherapy, the radioactive seeds remain in the body permanently, but their radiation diminishes after several weeks or months. They’re harmless once the radiation is depleted.

With HDR brachytherapy, no material remains in your body after treatment. The catheters are removed after each session, and there’s no long-term implant.

What Are the Benefits of Brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy offers many advantages for men seeking to treat prostate cancer effectively:

• Highly targeted radiation with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue
• Shorter treatment time compared to external beam radiation therapy
• Fewer side effects and quicker recovery
• Effective for early-stage and localized prostate cancer
• Can be combined with other therapies for more aggressive cancers

At Urology of Greater Atlanta, we offer personalized care plans that maximize the benefits of brachytherapy and ensure the best possible outcomes.

What Are the Risks or Complications of Brachytherapy?

While generally safe, brachytherapy does carry some risks, including:

• Urinary problems like incontinence or retention
• Bowel discomfort or rectal bleeding
• Erectile dysfunction
• Infection or bleeding at the implantation site
• Rare cases of radioactive seed migration

Working with experienced, board-certified doctors—like those at Urology of Greater Atlanta—significantly reduces the likelihood of complications. Our team closely monitors your health throughout the treatment journey.

Why Choose Urology of Greater Atlanta for Brachytherapy?

If you’re exploring brachytherapy for prostate cancer, trust the specialists at Urology of Greater Atlanta. Our board-certified urologists and radiation oncologists have years of experience delivering advanced cancer treatment options that are tailored to each patient’s needs.

We proudly serve communities across Georgia with compassionate, cutting-edge care. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or seeking a second opinion, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how internal radiation like brachytherapy can help you reclaim your health.