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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ YES! Cure
rates with seed implants are 20 to 40% better than the best results published with proton beam therapy. Seed implants
have the unique advantage of having the radiation placed directly into the cancer. The radiation is concentrated where it
needs to be, without the unnecessary high dose radiation of areas outside the prostate, as occurs with proton therapy. (see
chart below)
A recent study from the largest proton center in the country at Loma Linda, California reported that
for 1,225 men with prostate cancer, the 5-year success rate with proton therapy was only 73%. For those with high risk disease,
the success rate was only 43% (Slater, 2004) Unfortunately, there have not been any studies looking at outcomes more than 5 years following proton beam
treatment. This is in comparison to our own recently reported long term study showing at 10 years, a 95% success rate with
seed implants for intermediate risk disease, and 83% success rate for high risk disease (Terk 2009). With
the seeds being placed directly in the prostate, higher doses of radiation can be given to the cancer, resulting in a much
higher BED (biologically effective dose). The 20-50% higher BED seen with seed implants results in much greater cancer killing.
Seed implants allow the ultimate concentration of radiation directly in the prostate, while still keeping surrounding areas
at the lowest dose possible.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ YES - because high dose proton beam radiation is delivered externally from a machine,
the radiation still must enter the body from the outside and pass through organs like the bladder and rectum and hips to reach
the prostate, causing much greater side effects than seed implants. A study from a leading proton facility showed that following
proton radiation, 41% of men had long-term rectal bleeding and 47% had long-term bleeding with urination (Gardner, 2002). Long-term incontinence rates after proton radiation still remain unknown. In
contrast to proton beam radiation, long term side effects are very rare with seed implants. Using an intra-operative dosimetry
technique, the likelihood of the seeds migrating outside the prostate is less than 0.4%. Urinary incontinence occurs in less
than 1% of men following a seed implant. Other severe urinary problems are also very rare. (Zelefsky, 2007) Will seed implants allow for improved preservation of my sexual function?
Yes - The best published erectile function preservation rates are obtained with seed implants.
By pinpointing the seeds directly in the prostate, there is minimal effect on nerves that help control erections. Studies
show that up to 90% of men maintain their erectile function after a seed implant (Cesaretti, 2007). Erectile function has never been evaluated after proton beam radiation. This is a typical concern of men
who wish to remain sexually active. Because proton radiation needlessly treats outside the prostate (where the nerves reside)
to a high dose, much greater impotency rates are expected.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Of great concern, the renowned radiation biologist Dr. Eric Hall reported that the physics of proton radiation delivery
causes excessive neutron contamination in the patient’s body. Neutrons are dangerous nuclear
particles that can damage normal organs. They are known to increase the likelihood of developing potentially life-threatening
secondary cancers. (Hall, 2007). This risk of neutron contamination is much greater with proton radiation than
with either seed implants or IGRT. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Florida Centers for Prostate Care has the largest
published experience in the world using seed implants to treat patients with recurrent cancer after prior radiation treatment.
Several simple tests and our review of your records help determine if you are a potential candidate for this highly specialized
treatment. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Florida Centers for Prostate Care has physicians dedicated to the treatment of prostate cancer, with research publications, lectures, and experience performing and teaching seed implants around the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa. In recent years, our physicians have performed more than 5,000 seed implants,
establishing us as one of the most experienced centers in the world. Our expertise will allow you to feel confident that you
have obtained the best possible care anywhere in the world. All of our physicians are board certified, and members of the
Florida Radiation Oncology Group (FROG), one of the largest and most established Radiation Oncology groups in the United States. We have been continuously
caring for patients throughout the area since the 1950's. Our primary goal is to provide you with comprehensive and leading
edge cancer care in a compassionate and friendly environment. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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