Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer-Fighting Technology Available at Methodist Hospital

Individuals in South Philadelphia now have access to the latest advance in prostate cancer therapy the Methodist Hospital Division of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Known as Brachytherapy, the procedure involves the direct placement of radioactive seeds into the prostate. This allows high radiation doses directly to the tumor, and reduces radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues in the body. The outpatient procedure is performed at Methodist Hospital by the team of David B. Suh, MD, Clinical Director of Radiation Oncology, and Perry Weiner, DO, Urologist.

"Brachytherapy has many advantages over traditional surgical techniques," said Dr. Weiner. "It is a safe procedure, the patient can return to normal activities within two to three days and there are minimal side effects."

According to Dr. Suh, the prostate Brachytherapy program at Methodist has acquired the most advanced system of delivering Brachytherapy in the Philadelphia area. He said, "The primary advantage of our system over other programs is the use of a real-time computer-assisted implant software program that ensures greater accuracy and flexibility during the procedure. Our system avoids traditional delays between the time a patient has an image taken of the prostate and the actual procedure."

At Methodist Hospital, Dr. Suh and Dr. Weiner, as a team, use ultrasound guidance to insert the seeds one at a time. Typically, patients receive between 80 and 100 seeds during the one-hour procedure. Though the seeds are permanently implanted, the radiation gradually dissipates over a six-month period.

"The decision to use prostate seed implants is made in consideration with other treatment options. Like other prostate cancer treatments, Brachytherapy is most effective when the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage," Dr. Weiner commented.

Dr. Weiner said that Brachytherapy can produce some temporary side effects, which lessen as the radiation dissipates. Follow-up care usually includes a CT-Scan, blood tests to monitor PSA levels and radiation monitoring.

"By offering Brachytherapy at Methodist Hospital, prostate cancer patients in South Philadelphia are receiving University-level care in their own neighborhood," Dr. Weiner concluded.