Urology: Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer

What is Brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy delivers a highly-concentrated dose of radiation near or in the tumour while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. It is best used in patients whose cancer has not spread, or metastasised. In many cases, brachytherapy is combined with external-beam radiation therapy, including stereotactic body radiation therapy, to achieve the best results.

Brachytherapy is also called a “radiation implant" or “radioactive source." It may cure or control cancer and relieve related symptoms.

The radioactive sources used for brachytherapy are small seeds or wires, also known as implants. The dose of radiation and length of time prescribed will depend on the tumour size, location, and sensitivity to radiation. Treatment is typically administered over a short period of time and usually requires a hospital stay. At the conclusion of treatment, the implants may be removed or they may be permanent. If you have a temporary implant, you will need to stay in the hospital until the implant is removed.

How to Make a Brachytherapy Appointment

Ask your GP for a referral and contact a urology expert at a UPMC location near you. Locations include UPMC Whitfield Hospital and UPMC Kildare Hospital.

Providing you excellent medical and nursing care is at the heart of everything we do at UPMC.

Why Choose UPMC for Brachytherapy?

We offer high quality, comprehensive treatment close to home. There are many other reasons to choose Brachytherapy services at UPMC, such as the caring, professional service that our team of consultants and nursing staff provides.

Additionally, we are long term partners of the HSE (Health Service Executive) and private insurers and work diligently to ensure everyone has access to high-quality healthcare, delivered in a timely fashion.