Our Specialists
Targeted prostate cancer treatment at Royston Hospital
Royston Hospital offers Low Dose Rate (LDR) Prostate Brachytherapy, a specialised form of radiation treatment for selected men with prostate cancer.
The treatment involves placing tiny Iodine-125 radioactive seeds directly into the prostate. The seeds deliver a targeted dose of radiation over time, while gradually losing their radioactivity.
Treatment is individually planned and delivered by a specialist multidisciplinary team, including a urologist, radiation oncologist and medical physicist.
LDR prostate brachytherapy is available at only a small number of centres in New Zealand, providing an important specialist treatment option for eligible patients.
LDR prostate brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation treatment used to treat selected men with prostate cancer.
During the procedure, tiny radioactive Iodine-125 seeds are placed directly into the prostate using needles and imaging guidance. The number and position of the seeds are carefully planned for each patient to deliver the prescribed radiation dose to the prostate.
The seeds remain in the prostate and gradually lose their radioactivity over time.
Your specialist will discuss whether LDR prostate brachytherapy is an appropriate treatment option for you based on your individual diagnosis and circumstances.
LDR prostate brachytherapy may be considered for selected men with prostate cancer, particularly those with early or localised disease.
Whether this treatment is suitable depends on a range of individual factors. Your specialist will assess your diagnosis and discuss the treatment options that may be appropriate for you.
LDR prostate brachytherapy offers a highly targeted approach to radiation treatment.
Potential benefits include:
LDR prostate brachytherapy involves carefully placing radioactive Iodine-125 seeds into the prostate.
Before treatment, your specialist team will assess your individual circumstances and plan the procedure, including the number and positioning of the seeds required.
During the procedure, needles are used to place the seeds into the prostate under imaging guidance. This allows the treatment to be accurately positioned according to your individual treatment plan.
Your specialist will explain what to expect before, during and after the procedure, including any preparation and follow-up that may be required.
Following LDR prostate brachytherapy, your specialist will arrange ongoing follow-up to monitor your progress.
This may include regular appointments and PSA blood tests. Your specialist will explain your individual follow-up plan and what to expect after treatment.