When faced with a big issue like prostate cancer, treatment may be as small as a grain of rice.

Tiny radioactive seeds – no bigger than a piece of rice – are inserted into the prostate in a method called interstitial prostate brachytherapy, available at Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center.

After the minimally invasive procedure, tiny seeds irradiate cancer from inside the gland, preventing radiation damage to surrounding tissues and organs.

This alternative to external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is often recommended for patients whose cancer is confined to the prostate gland. However, other patients may benefit, according to Edward Soffen, MD, radiation oncologist at Hunterdon.

“Some men whose cancer is more locally advanced may be a candidate for seed implants, which can be used in combination with external radiation to give the prostate a boost,” says Dr. Soffen.

“Also, someone who had external radiation in the past and who has developed a local recurrence of the cancer can be treated with brachytherapy.”

Dr. Soffen notes that the procedure is convenient, requiring only two outpatient visits compared to longer hospital stays for other treatments.

Hunterdon provides a range of treatment options for prostate cancer patients. These include surgical removal of the prostate, external-beam radiation, and intensity modulated radiation therapy, or IMRT, which provides a higher dose of radiation to a targeted area.

For more information about prostate cancer treatment, call 908-788-6547.