The Difference Between Temporary & Permanent Seeds Brachytherapy | Ask a Prostate Expert, MD

Alex and Dr. Scholz compare and contrast high dose-rate temporary seeds (HDR) and low dose-rate permanent seeds (LDR) for the treatment of prostate cancer. While there are no head-to-head trials, both forms of seeds seem to work about the same. Dr. Scholz suggests that HDR seeds may be better for more serious cases of prostate cancer since they are better able to go outside and around the gland, but that LDR seeds are more convenient.

0:06 Which do you prefer between temporary and permanent seeds and in what situations? In many cases, there does not seem to be a big difference between the two types of seeds. In high-risk situations, temporary seeds might be preferable because they can treat around the prostate better. Permanent seeds, though, are more convenient.

2:18 Are there any issues leaving metal in the prostate? It can cause a problem with metal detectors, but it is usually fine once explained.

2:52 Do temporary and permanent seeds have different side effects? The side effects are the same.

3:13 Do temporary or permanent seeds affect which treatments are available in the future? Nowadays, it is rare for seeds to fail to cure the disease in an intermediate-risk situation, but there are options such as cryotherapy and HIFU if necessary.

Don’t know your stage? Take the quiz: Visit http://www.prostatecancerstaging.org

To learn more about prostate cancer visit http://www.pcri.org

To download the free Staging Guide visit http://www.pcri.org/prostate-cancer-s...

Who we are:

The Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to helping you research your treatment options. We understand that you have many questions, and we can help you find the answers that are specific to your case. All of our resources are designed by a multidisciplinary team of advocates and expert physicians, for patients. We believe that by educating yourself about the disease, you will have more productive interactions with your medical professionals and receive better-individualized care. Feel free to explore our website or call our free helpline at 1 (800) 641-7274 with any questions that you have. Our Federal Tax ID # is 95-4617875 and qualifies for maximum charitable gift deductions by individual donors.

The information on the Prostate Cancer Research Institute's YouTube channel is provided with the understanding that the Institute is not engaged in rendering medical advice or recommendation. The information provided in these videos should not replace consultations with qualified health care professionals to meet your individual medical needs.

#ProstateCancer #Prostate #MarkScholzMD