Permanent radioactive seed implantation in the treatment of prostate cancer

Technical advances in prostate brachytherapy have stemmed from the developm ent of transrectal ultrasound and computerized planning. Permanent radioact ive seed implantation has emerged as a viable treatment for low-risk prosta te cancer patients, along with external beam radiation therapy and prostate ctomy. Its most promising use, however, may be in combination with hormonal therapy and external beam irradiation in moderate-to-high risk patients, f or whom it may offer improved outcomes over standard single-modality therap ies.