High Dose Brachytherapy Prostate Cancer

High Dose Brachytherapy Prostate Cancer

High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy has been recognised as an effective and secure way to treat prostate cancer. A study results were presented at the third ESTRO (European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology) Forum in Barcelona, Spain stating that men who received brachytherapy for prostate cancer were twice as likely to be cancer free 5 years later.

High dose Brachytherapy for prostate cancer may not involve the not having the Brachytherapy seeds, which could cause radiation problems. The surgical procedures of the the brachytherapy involves the insertion of a few number of titanium catheter rods, which are linked up to the radiation machine.  Generally, patients are given intensive blasts of high dose radiation while in a prone position over a few days period. After the treatment, which is after a few days, the catheter rods will be removed.

Unlike the Brachytherapy seeds method, patients will not any  radiation residual to pose a problem to little children, pregnant mums or alarm the airport scanners.

Brachytherapy Prostate Cancer Treatment Side Effects

Some side effects of the high dose Brachytherapy prostate cancer treatments are:
- Patient may felt sore and stiff afterwards
- During the treatment phase, the catheter rods may extend out of the involved area, which can immobilized patient in bed to be sideway. However, patient will be able to lie on his back again after the removal of the rods.
- There could be pain during urination.
- Th treatment will likely cause bruising in the area involved, which could also cause discomfort when sitting on hard surface.

Side effects high dose Brachytherapy prostate cancer may differ based on individual conditions, which could react differently. Horseshoe, soft cushion or wearing a pad might be a good idea, if patients experience any discomfort when sitting down.

Other side effects like toxicities and complications such as rectal toxicity, urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction may occur from the Brachytherapy. Hence, brachytherapy prostate cancer should be managed as minimally invasive as possible, as over treatment can cause further complications.