Radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiotherapy. This means that you have a radioactive source inside the prostate. The radioactive source releases radiation to destroy the prostate cancer cells.
The source, also known as radioactive seeds, might stay inside your prostate permanently. This is permanent seed brachytherapy or low dose rate brachytherapy. The radiation is gradually released over a number of months.
Or you might have a higher dose of radiation, where the radioactive source stays inside the prostate for about 15 to 40 minutes. This is temporary brachytherapy or high dose rate brachytherapy. Your radiographer then removes the source, so you have no radiation left inside your body.
You may have both internal radiotherapy and external radiotherapy. External radiotherapy uses a machine outside the body to direct radiation beams at the cancer.
Find out more about external radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Permanent seed brachytherapy is when your doctor puts very small radioactive metal seeds into your prostate gland. Over a few months, the seeds slowly release a low level of radiation into the area of the prostate.
Temporary brachytherapy is when your doctor puts radioactive pellets in your prostate gland. They take them out at the end of the treatment. It is also called high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy.
Brachytherapy can cause some long term side effects. These include problems passing urine and difficulty getting an erection.
Last reviewed: 27 Jun 2025
Next review due: 27 Jun 2028
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
What to ask your doctor about clinical trials.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
