Prostate Seed Implants For the Right treatment For Prostate Cancer

Posted by CancerInformation on January 28th, 2014

Cancer! The name itself causes panic. Various cancer research departments are now coming up with the latest solutions for treating cancer. Prostate cancer is a type of cancer, which has resulted in the loss of many lives. Often with various treatments like surgery, external radiation therapy or chemotherapy, oncologists always try to provide their patients with the best treatment for prostate cancer. However, some of these treatments have been unsuccessful  making new and modern treatments necessary for a patient’s survival. Prostate seed implants have been introduced as a good alternative to the older treatment methods administered. Doctors and oncologists across the world are now getting specialized training in this field.

This treatment has proved to be extremely essential through implantation of radiation seeds in the prostate gland to reduce cancer cells. When cancer is in its early stages, this method has proven to be extremely beneficial when compared to chemotherapy or external radiation. Also, the complications caused by this type of treatment are less when compared to traditional treatments. When it is combined with external radiation, it can definitely prove to be successful. The suitability of the permanent seed implants in advanced stages is still being studied.

The seeds used are very small in size and the affected area is also small. Patients are required to take about 40 injections to implant about 150 radioactive seeds at regular intervals. This kind of treatment is also commonly known as brachytherapy. A large amount of seeds are used for providing effective treatment. Radiation emitted from these seeds affects the cells that are close to the infected area, where seeds are implanted. A good study needs to be made to determine the location of cancerous cells so that the treatment can be facilitated effectively. Once this is determined, the seed implants will be done in the areas where the cancer cells have been directly affected. With this treatment, there are great chances that people can fight  and win the battle against prostate cancer.

About Author
Dr. Echt and his team at the Prostate Seed Institute offer the most highly sophisticated methods of radiation therapy available in the United States, equal to that found in major medical center and academic settings. These include prostate seed implantation, high dose radiation implants, and external beam radiation with image-guided and intensity-modulated (IGRT and IMRT) capabilities.