Implant Therapy

Implants are forms of radiation therapy with many of the same risks and benefits. Implants are often combined with external therapy, depending on the type of implanted radiation and the extent of the cancer. Implants are ultrasound guided radiation treatments done under anesthesia. The operation lasts from 1 - 2 hours and hospitalization lasts from 1-2 days. Some implants are permanently left in place (Iodine, Palladium, Gold) and some are temporary (Iridium). Implants allow for higher doses to the prostate while sparing the surrounding tissues. A theoretically higher cure rate should be observed. Implants have been around since 1970 and were done initially with free-hand techniques. The results with free-hand implantation were not very encouraging. Ultrasound guided implants became available in the mid-1980s and long term data is still not available to determine how effective these treatments might be. Bladder and rectal irritability does occur. Implants must be considered experimental at this time until more is known about long term survival and cure rates.