Iodine-125 seed implantation is a form of cancer treatment that utilizes radioactive seeds to deliver radiation to the tumor. These seeds are small metal pellets containing iodine-125, a radioactive isotope that emits low-energy X-rays. The seeds are implanted into the tumor using needles or catheters under the guidance of imaging techniques such as ultrasound or CT scan.
The seeds remain in the tumor permanently and gradually lose their radioactivity over time. The radiation from the seeds kills the tumor cells and shrinks the tumor, while sparing the surrounding normal tissues. Iodine-125 seed implantation can be used to treat various types of cancer, including prostate, lung, liver, breast, and cervical cancer. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or external beam radiation therapy.
The seeds remain in the tumor permanently and gradually lose their radioactivity over time. The radiation from the seeds kills the tumor cells and shrinks the tumor, while sparing the surrounding normal tissues. Iodine-125 seed implantation can be used to treat various types of cancer, including prostate, lung, liver, breast, and cervical cancer. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or external beam radiation therapy.
Iodine-125 seed implantation has several advantages over other forms of radiation therapy, including higher local control, fewer side effects and shorter treatment time.