Irving, Texas - Once the doctor diagnoses someone for prostate cancer and confirms the presence of the disease, the next step is usually to decide on the suitable form of treatment. The prostate seed implantation has been growing in popularity although we also have other effective treatment methods such as HDR brachytherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, cryotherapy, and more. Among these, HDR brachytherapy is a new treatment method and is mainly preferred because it’s generally painless, and requires minor surgery, thus making it to result in fewer complications.

During this process, the doctor places the seeds temporarily in the patient’s prostate gland. The seeds have higher intensity radioactive material than the conventional seed implants. The seeds remain in place for under an hour.

“HDR brachytherapy doesn’t require major surgery,” says Dr. Echt. “This makes the process quicker and there are not surgery-related complications to worry about.”

This is how this treatment method works:

• Fitting of tubes – The doctor use sophisticated computer and other radiologic techniques to fit the patient with a template that holds catheters (tiny tubes) in place. The doctor places the catheters in the pelvis and prostate, with a catheter length remaining outside the body to be connected to high dose radiation equipment.

• Treatment – A day after the doctor fits the template, around three radiation templates are given. A computer-controlled device helps to push highly radioactive seeds into the tubes, one at a time, controlling how long each seed remains in place. This also controls the radiation dose in various parts of the prostate. The doctor removes the tubes without leaving any radioactive material in the prostate gland.

“Remember, other than HDR brachytherapy, we also have prostate seed implantation and other treatment options such as chemotherapy and surgery,” says Dr. Echt. “After diagnosis, we will help you select a suitable treatment method.”

About The Prostate Seed Institute

The Prostate Seed Institute is one of the country’s leading pioneers in prostate cancer treatment including prostate seed implementation, a fast and painless procedure that effectively treats prostate cancer in its earliest stages. With a team of oncology experts and a state-of-the-art facility, the Prostate Seed Institute provides prostate cancer patients with the most comprehensive treatment available.