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University of Washington (UW) Medical Center physicians say they have made the first significant advancement in brachytherapy in more than 15 years by implanting a new type of radioactive seeds in a prostate cancer patient.
The cesium-131 (Cs-131) brachytherapy implant seed provides another viable option for men with prostate cancer, said Dr. Leroy Korb, assistant professor of radiation oncology at UW Medical Center.
Korb said this new seed offers a shorter half-life and faster delivery of the total radiation dose than the other types of seeds currently on the market. “We believe it will be an effective option for men choosing brachytherapy to treat their prostate cancer,” he said.
With a half-life of 9.7 days, compared to 60 days for iodine-125 seeds, the Cs-131 seed delivers more than 90 percent of its total radiation dose in less than 33 days, Korb explained.
Korb added that the the new seed has a significantly higher dose rate than iodine, allowing for the delivery of more radiation in a shorter period of time to maximize its effectiveness.
“The treatment is over in one-sixth the time of iodine seeds and leaves the body 500 days faster,” Korb observed.
Korb and Dr. William Ellis, professor of urology, implanted the first Cs-131 seeds in a 74-year-old Oregon man. The procedure was completed in 45 to 60 minutes. Needles are used to implant the seeds, which are smaller than a grain of rice. No incision or suturing is required, and the patient usually doesn't need to stay overnight.
The patient is usually back to his normal work and daily activities within two to three days, Korb said. After about three months, doctors will check to measure the effectiveness of the treatment.
Due to the shorter duration of treatment with Cs-131, side effects such as incontinence, urinary urgency or pain may be lessened, Korb said. Men who had good erectile function prior the implant should not experience any problems following the procedure.
Source: Medical Week staff, week of November 20, 2004
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