Initial assessment for suitability for Brachytherapy

An initial consultation is carried out by both a Consultant Urologist and an Oncologist. Your Consultant will review the stage and grade of your cancer during this consultation. Several tests will also be done, including a scan to assess your bladder emptying, and a flowmeter test to assess your urinary flow. An Ultrasound scan of your prostate gland will also be completed.

If your Consultant decides that you are ready to start Brachytherapy treatment, an appointment for your treatment will be arranged for you. You may need to take medications to shrink your prostate and improve your urinary flow before you can have your first treatment. If so, your general practitioner will be advised to prescribe these medications.

What is a volume study?

A volume study is an ultrasound assessment that is used to determine the size and shape of the prostate. A volume study is usually done one to two weeks prior to the first Brachytherapy treatment, and helps the doctor to decide the number of radioactive seeds that will be needed for a Brachytherapy treatment. An ultrasound probe is placed in the rectum and serial ultrasound scan pictures are taken to assess shape and size of the prostate.

The procedure lasts for about half an hour, and is performed at the Rivers Hospital.