From Danville Regional Health System
Better Health Magazine Archives

Tiny radioactive "seeds" the size of a piece of pencil lead have been used for years at Danville Regional Medical Center to fight prostate cancer. But now, new ultrasound-guided technology makes the procedure more accurate - and more successful - than before.

"Once patients are diagnosed with prostate cancer, we guide them to the most appropriate therapy," said Dr. William Collins, urologist at Danville Regional Medical Center. "There are many factors to consider, and for some patients, prostate seed therapy is the best choice."

The first step involves a preplanning ultrasound in which the urologist and radiation oncologist perform a "practice run" of the surgery and measure the exact dose of radiation needed to destroy the cancer. In the past, the procedure was performed manually, making it more difficult to place the seeds accurately. With the new technology, ultrasound images and computers help the team determine the number, radioactive strength and distribution of the seeds with greater precision.

Between 70 to 155 seeds are preloaded in needles and inserted into the prostate gland. "this procedure is a joint effort between the radiation oncologist and urologist, " said Dr. Bernard Eden, a radiation oncologist at Danville Regional Medical Center. Dr. Eden plans the dosage and distribution of the seeds in the prostate while Dr. Collins controls the insertion and placement of the needles into the prostate.

Once the seeds are in place, a CAT scan verifies the accuracy of the seed placement and dosage. The patient stays in the hospital overnight, but no further treatment is necessary.

Compared with other treatments for prostate cancer - surgery and external beam radiation- prostate seed therapy is a good alternative because it is minimally invasive, less expensive, causes fewer side effects and has a faster recovery time. Although the seeds lose radioactivity after a few weeks, they remain in the prostate gland forever - without causing discomfort.

"I think this is going to be a very well-accepted treatment for prostate cancer," said Dr. Collins. "It's not for everyone, but it is another form of therapy the enables us to provide the best possible treatment options for our patients."