Pellet Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer involves the walnut-sized prostate gland, a key element in the male reproductive system. When treating prostate cancer, the patient has a variety of options, ranging from surgery to chemotherapy to differing forms of radiation treatment. Pellet therapy, also known as internal radiation therapy, is a long-practiced method for eliminating cancer cells in the prostate. While not useful for all cases of prostate cancer, pellet therapy can be quite effective at forcing cancer into remission.

Radiation Therapy Basics

• There are two main forms of radiation therapy, categorized depending on whether the source of the radiation is present outside or inside the body. Pellet therapy is an example of the second type. The goal of radiation therapy is to destroy cancer cells by exposing them to high levels of radiation. This radiation acts to damage the genetic material within the cancer cells, rendering them unable to continue reproducing.

Pellet Therapy

• Pellet therapy, also known as brachytherapy, is a form of internal radiation therapy that is useful for treating early stages of prostate cancer where the disease is still relatively contained. It is performed by inserting tiny pellets into the prostate itself. These pellets are filled with radioactive material. Over time, the radioactive material leaks as it decays, slowly killing the cancer cells. According to the American Cancer Society, there are two types of brachytherapy--low dose treatment and high dose treatment. During low dose treatment, between 40 to 100 pellets are placed into the prostate using a needle. These pellets are left in place permanently, leaving the radiation to work its magic. During high dose treatment, radioactive catheters are placed into the prostate and left there for anywhere between five to 15 minutes at a stretch. These are then removed, with the treatment being repeated at varying intervals. A discussion with your doctor will determine which is the right method for you. Of course, brachytherapy is not without side effects. These include urinary and bowel issues, along with possible impotence, as the damage done by the radiation is not entirely confined to cancer cells, and some healthy tissue may be affected as well.