Radioactive Seed Implantation: Which Cancers Benefit Most?

Radioactive seed implantation, also known as brachytherapy, is a highly effective treatment option for various types of malignant solid tumors, including prostate cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and head and neck cancers. This treatment is suitable for patients with primary tumors, recurrent tumors, or even metastatic lesions. Unlike conventional external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), which delivers radiation from outside the body, seed implantation involves placing tiny radioactive seeds directly into or near the tumor site.

The procedure works by continuously emitting low-dose radiation from within the body, targeting cancer cells more precisely and minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The radioactive isotopes inside the seeds destroy cancer cells over time, offering a targeted and sustained therapeutic effect.

One of the major advantages of this technique is its minimally invasive nature. Compared to traditional surgery or systemic chemotherapy, radioactive seed implantation reduces recovery time and lowers the risk of severe side effects. Additionally, while external radiation is typically delivered in intervals, allowing cancer cells to potentially recover between sessions, brachytherapy provides continuous radiation, improving the chances of eliminating resistant or residual cancer cells.

This method is especially beneficial for patients who have progressed after conventional radiation therapy, as it can be used as a secondary treatment to target remaining or recurring tumors. With advancements in seed technology and imaging guidance, the application of radioactive seed implantation has expanded significantly, making it a valuable option in modern oncology.

In summary, brachytherapy offers a precise, controlled, and patient-friendly approach to cancer treatment, particularly for those suffering from localized or recurrent solid tumors.