What should you know about internal radiation for prostate cancer?

Internal radiation is commonly discussed as brachytherapy. A clinician places radioactive material in the prostate or nearby area so radiation can be delivered close to the tumour. In some plans, the material remains in place; in others, it is used temporarily and then removed. The choice depends on prostate size, urinary function, tumour extent, previous treatment and the overall treatment goal.

External radiotherapy uses a machine outside the body, while targeted radioisotope therapy uses a medicine that seeks particular cell features. These approaches are not interchangeable, and a team may combine treatments or compare them with prostate removal surgery or robotic cancer surgery.

Ask the radiation team how the prostate and urinary tract will be assessed before treatment. Tell them about difficulty passing urine, previous procedures, medicines and bowel symptoms. Clarify preparation, anaesthesia, catheter use, appointments and activity restrictions. Ask how urinary, bowel and sexual changes will be monitored, and who to contact after the procedure. Read about brachytherapy and radiotherapy using the terms your team recommends.

After treatment, contact the care team for inability to pass urine, worsening bleeding, severe pain, fever, chills or new weakness. Seek emergency help for heavy bleeding, severe breathing difficulty, collapse or confusion. Do not alter medicines or fluid intake without advice, particularly if urinary symptoms change.

Which internal radiation method fits my prostate findings? Will the source stay in place or be removed? How will urinary function affect planning? What symptoms are expected after treatment, and which are urgent? Could external radiotherapy, surgery or another treatment be more suitable?