Brachytherapy for prostate cancer
Brachytherapy is a radical treatment method in which the cancer is destroyed by a radiofrequency source implanted in the prostate. It produces a powerful effect on the tumor, with minimal damage to healthy tissues. The specialists of the JSC "Medicine" (Academician Roytberg Clinic) have at their disposal a high-tech gamma therapy device called "GammaMed", which uses a high activity source called "Iridium-192". This equipment ensures effective treatment.
Receive a consultationIndications
Brachytherapy is primarily indicated for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. It can be used as an independent method of treatment or combined with other techniques. The following requirements must be observed:
- a prostate volume of no more than 60 cc;
- no metastases;
- no inflammatory processes in the large intestine.
Advantages of the technique
This technique has a number of indisputable advantages:
- as a rule, a single course is sufficient - a repeated implantation of a radiofrequency source may be required only if the cancer has relapsed;
- it does not require much time - hospitalization for only 2 days is necessary;
- fast rehabilitation - you can return to your normal activities almost immediately after being discharged from the hospital. You will only need to observe a few restrictions, which your doctor will tell you about;
- high efficiency - up to 96;
- low likelihood of relapse - less than 20%;
- a minimum chance of complications - not more than 5%;
- preservation of sexual function.
Brachytherapy for prostate cancer in Moscow
Preparation for the procedure
Preparation for brachytherapy is primarily a comprehensive examination. It includes:
- some general analysis of urine and blood;
- a blood group test;
- some testing for STDs, HIV, hepatitis and syphilis;
- an uroflowmetry;
- an ECG;
- a coagulogram;
- an MRI with contrast.
The doctor may prescribe additional examinations based on the patient's individual characteristics. It is also necessary to shave off the hair in the groin area before therapy.
Process of the procedure
The success of the therapy depends on many factors, including the accuracy of the calculation of the required dose of radiation and the choice of area to introduce the radiofrequency source. The dose can be either low or high. It is determined according to the size of the tumor and its degree of aggressiveness.
The therapy is carried out in the operating room. The patient is comfortably seated on the couch. The insertion area is treated with antiseptics, after which anesthesia is applied. This can be spinal anesthesia or general one - the specific decision is determined according to the individual characteristics of the patient and his/her wishes.
Radioactive seeds are injected into the prostate gland using a special needle. The insertion procedure is monitored by an ultrasound transducer.
The procedure lasts approximately 2.5 hours. It is carried out without pain or significant discomfort.
Possible side effects of the procedure
There may be bloody sores around the punctures in the perineum during the first few days after brachytherapy for the prostate. It shouldn’t be a matter of worry, it will disappear on its own and it should not cause much discomfort. Also in the first few days after the procedure, there might be some blood clots in the urine. In this case, the patient should drink more water to get the blood out naturally and quickly. It is quite common to have a urinary burning sensation and frequent urge to urinate, especially in the first few weeks after the procedure. As for urinary incontinence, it is almost never observed after brachytherapy.
What should you expect after the procedure?
50% of the charge of radioactive seeds in the prostate are lost within the first 2 months after the procedure. Though the radiation dose outside the male body is minimal, it is recommended to avoid long-term and frequent contact with pregnant women and children during some time after the procedure. It is allowed to have sexual contact after the brachytherapy, but the use of a condom is advisable, as some radioactive seeds might be released during orgasm. Also one or more seeds can be ejected during urination. Because of that, it is advisable to urinate through a special strainer for the first time after brachytherapy. If some seeds are ejected, they should be collected in a container given to the patient in advance.
Advantages of the clinic
The clinic is located in the center of Moscow and in a 5-minute walk from several underground stations. Two large buildings combine: polyclinic, dentistry, emergency department, pharmacy and laboratory, where urine tests can be carried out to determine the presence and concentration of any trace element in it.
The JSC "Medicine" (Academician Roytberg Clinic) is:
- 30 years of unique experience and impeccable reputation;
- highly qualified specialists with cutting-edge techniques;
- ultramodern equipment;
- high level of comfort;
- individual support, maximum attention to each patient by the medical staff;
- convenient location in the center of Moscow.
Our clinic
Contact details and address
JSC "Medicine"
Moscow, 2-nd Tverskoy-Yamskoy Lane, 10
Mayakovskaya
Belorusskaya
Novoslobodskaya
Information desk. Open 24 hours a day.
from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mo-Fr
from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Sa) / from 9:00 to 15:00 (Su)