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The iodine-based seeds (I-125), used when brachytherapy was originally
developed, are still in use today. The procedure to implant seeds is similar to
TheraSeed® treatment. Typically, a patient receives local anesthesia
and does not feel anything below the waist. Often, medication induces
relaxation and drowsiness. Employing ultrasound equipment to see inside the
body, the physician inserts needles into the prostate gland and deposits the
seeds. The procedure is frequently performed in an outpatient setting.
With either type of seed (iodine or palladium) used in brachytherapy:
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The most commonly reported side effects are short-term urinary or obstructive
symptoms within the first few weeks after the implant procedure. |
| • |
Short-term side effects include frequent urination and burning. |
| • |
Rectal irritation and bleeding may occur. |
| • |
Tenderness and bruising may occur from the procedure, rarely requiring pain
medication. |
TheraSeed® Treatment Advantages:
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Works two to three times faster than iodine-based seeds for better control of
rapidly dividing cells. |
| • |
Most side effects diminish within two to three weeks, compared to 60 to 90 days
with iodine-based implants. |
| • |
Patients usually experience significantly fewer complications than those with
iodine seeds.4 |
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