According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common cancer, excluding skin cancer, and the second leading cause of death in men. By the end of this year, it is estimated that 180,400 new cases will be diagnosed in the United States and more than 31,900 men will die of the disease.

Dr. Frederick H. Albrink, a certified radiation oncologist at Clark Memorial Hospital, is successfully fighting the disease with a noninvasive procedure called permanent palladium seed implantation.

“Seed implantation is a one time, non-surgical procedure,” says Albrink. “Within one to three days after the procedure, a patient can return to regular activities, including work, with little or no pain.”

Palladium seed implantation is usually used for men in the early stages of the disease where their other organs have not been affected. The procedure can also be used when a patient is unable to undergo a radical prostectomy due to health reasons.

“The procedure uses tiny radioactive pellets about the size of a grain of rice. These pellets are inserted into the prostate using a thin needle,” explains Albrink. “An ultrasound is used to help guide the placement of the seed.”

Once inserted, the seed will emit very low levels of radiation for several weeks or months. These low levels of radiation pose little risk to surrounding organs or tissue. Once the radioactive material is depleted, the tiny seeds are left in place.

Four to six weeks after the implantation, a CT scan is performed and visits to an urologist are needed for follow-up examinations.

“A blood test and a digital rectal examination (DRE) are needed every three weeks for the next two years and then every six months,” says Dr. James L. Bailen, an urologist at Clark Memorial Hospital. “After five years, the patient should have a blood test and physical examination performed at least once a year.”

Studies show that 87-95 percent of men with early stage cancer have a seven-year cancer-free success rate after the treatment.

The procedure could have some minor side effects. The most common include an increase in urinary frequency and changes in bowel habits. In addition, some men experience a mild burning sensation during urination and/or blood in the urine immediately after the procedure. This will usually clear up with two to three weeks after the procedure. A small percentage of men may also experience impotence as a result of the procedure, which can be treated.

Albrink and Bailen pioneered the use of this procedure in southern Indiana in 1998. Currently, Albrink performs the most permanent palladium seed implantations in the region.

Prostate cancer develops from the cells in the prostate gland in men. Most prostate cancers develop very slowly, but there are certain types that can develop and spread very quickly.

“Most early cases of prostate cancer causes no symptoms,” says Bailen. “Usually a blood test or DRE can be used to determine if prostate cancer exists. In some cases, the patient may experience the weakening of the urinary stream or urinate more frequently. But these symptoms are not exclusive to prostate cancer.”

For more information, please call the Cancer Care Place at Clark Memorial Hospital 283-2444.

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