For men diagnosed with prostate cancer, Smilow Radiation Oncology provides radiation therapy as a common and proven treatment option. As with any radiation therapy, there can be potential side effects, in this case possible injury to healthy cells in the rectum — which is next to the prostate — and problems with bowel movements. Those side effects are often temporary, but some men have symptoms that persist for years and require follow-up treatment.
The radioactive materials are sealed in tiny pellets or “seeds,” which are put into the body through small tubes called applicators. As the seeds naturally decay, they deliver radiation that damages nearby cancer cells. An HDR brachytherapy session typically takes only a few minutes and may be repeated over the course of a few days or weeks. The radioactive material is not left in your body. The applicator is either left in place between treatments or put in before each treatment.
HDR brachytherapy is most commonly used to treat gynecologic cancers, such as cervical cancer and uterine (endometrial) cancer, and skin cancer. This procedure may also be suitable for treatment of certain types of breast cancer, lung cancer, rectal cancer and eye cancer.
Learn more about Smilow Cancer Hospital's areas of expertise and specialized cancer programs.
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