Precision Cancer Care with Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is a highly targeted form of internal radiotherapy that delivers radiation directly to the tumour while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. Dr Carla Perna, an experienced consultant in urological cancers, uses this advanced technique to treat prostate cancer with precision and care. Dr Carla Perna carefully assesses each patient's cancer stage, tumour size, and overall health to determine if brachytherapy is the most effective option. Her tailored approach ensures maximum cancer control with minimal disruption to everyday life.
Send Enquiry
How Brachytherapy Works for Prostate Cancer
Brachytherapy for prostate cancer can be delivered as either low dose rate (LDR) with permanent seeds placed in the prostate, or high dose rate (HDR) using temporary catheters to administer radiation that is removed after treatment, both performed while the patient is anaesthetised.
Low-Dose Rate Brachytherapy (LDR)
This is also known as seed implantation since radioactive ‘seeds’ or ‘granules’ are inserted into the tumour or close to it, and are left there permanently. It requires a general or spinal anaesthetic for less than 1 hour.
After a few months, the radioactivity level decreases until the ‘seeds’ become inactive. The inactive seeds remain inside the body, without any effect on the patient. There are specific recommendations to limit close contact with others, especially children and pregnant women, in the first 2 months post-implant.
High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR)
In this type of brachytherapy, a highly radioactive material is inserted within a catheter for a specific time and then removed. It does require general anaesthetic for about 2 hours, allowing the insertion of the needles, the planning and prescription of the radiation dose and the delivery of the treatment.
EXPLORE TREATMENTS
Accessible Cancer Treatments Tailored to Your Needs
My consultation with Dr Perna was very proficient and professional. She explained my condition well and has arranged for further tests to be carried out to determine the best and appropriate way forward. Would certainly recomend Dr Perna to other individuals.
My consultation with Dr Perna was very proficient and professional. She explained my condition well and has arranged for further tests to be carried out to determine the best and appropriate way forward. Would certainly recomend Dr Perna to other individuals.
My consultation with Dr Perna was very proficient and professional. She explained my condition well and has arranged for further tests to be carried out to determine the best and appropriate way forward. Would certainly recomend Dr Perna to other individuals.
Your brachytherapy questions, answered.
Can't find what you're looking for?
How long does recovery take after brachytherapy?
Most people recover quickly after brachytherapy. Many return to normal activities within a few days, though mild soreness, swelling, or urinary changes may last a few weeks. Because the treatment is internal and highly targeted, hospital stays are usually short, and downtime is minimal. Follow-up appointments are important to check healing and track treatment results. Dr Carla Perna guides her prostate cancer patients closely through recovery, ensuring any side effects are managed promptly and comfortably.
Which cancers can be treated with brachytherapy?
Brachytherapy can be used for several cancers, including prostate, cervical, breast, and some head and neck cancers. However, Dr Carla Perna uses brachytherapy only to treat prostate cancer. She specialises in this highly targeted approach to control prostate tumours effectively while limiting damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Other types of cancer that can be treated with brachytherapy are managed by specialists in those fields.
How effective is brachytherapy for prostate cancer?
Brachytherapy is a highly effective treatment for many men with localised prostate cancer. It delivers radiation directly to the prostate, achieving excellent tumour control while sparing nearby organs. Studies show strong long-term success rates, especially for early- and intermediate-risk disease. Dr Carla Perna uses brachytherapy specifically for prostate cancer, planning each treatment with precision to give the highest chance of controlling the disease and maintaining a good quality of life.
Does brachytherapy affect fertility and sexual function?
Because brachytherapy targets the prostate, it can affect fertility, and many men may have reduced or no sperm production afterwards. Sexual function, including erections, may also be affected over time, though many men remain sexually active. Dr Carla Perna discusses these potential effects with her prostate cancer patients before treatment. She provides support or referral to specialists if help with fertility preservation or sexual health is needed.
What could be some of the brachytherapy effects?
After brachytherapy, the patient may notice sensitivity and swelling in the treated area. However, patients can return to their work activities within days or weeks of the intervention.
Typically, patients complain of a slow stream, with urinary frequency and urgency during the day and night. There may also be a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder, with the need to strain. Most often, the symptoms are worse at night and during periods of inactivity. These side effects are due to the swelling of the prostate following the procedure and irritation of the prostate and bladder lining due to radiation from the seeds. They are temporary and will settle in time.
What follow-up and recovery is needed after brachytherapy?
After brachytherapy, patients usually have follow-up appointments to monitor PSA levels, check healing, and track how well the treatment is working. Side effects such as urinary urgency or mild discomfort often improve over time. Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting for a short period and follow specific safety guidelines if radioactive seeds were used. Dr Carla Perna provides ongoing support to her prostate cancer patients, ensuring recovery is smooth and any concerns are addressed promptly.