Radiation Oncology
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Internal Radiation Therapy
One way radiation therapy can be administered is internally, through a process called brachytherapy in which a radioactive source (wires, seeds or rods) is surgically implanted as close to the tumor as possible. Your radiation oncologist will help you determine the best course of treatment for your particular case. Some of the options they might suggest include:
Prostate Seed Implant (PSI)
Prostate seed implant (PSI) is a treatment option for some men with prostate cancer. In the procedure, radioactive "seeds" (metallic particles about the size of rice) are implanted into the prostate gland. These seeds deliver a precise dose of radiation directly to the tumor site over the course of several weeks.
High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR)
Cancer patients in radiation oncology at MeritCare have another treatment option called high-dose rate brachytherapy (HDR). With HDR, a small radiation source is placed close to the area where cancer is or was removed in order to treat the area and prevent recurrence.