External beam radiation uses a machine to aim high-energy rays at the cancer from outside the body, which can affect nearby healthy tissue. Brachytherapy places a small radioactive source directly inside or very close to the tumor, so it delivers a high dose to the cancer with much less risk of damaging nearby normal tissue.

Permanent seed brachytherapy is a cancer treatment where tiny radioactive pellets (about 5 millimeters long) are placed directly into the tumor. This is done while you're asleep under general anesthesia. A CT scan helps the doctor see exactly where to place the seeds so they target the tumor precisely.

The tiny titanium seeds are 5 millimeters long.

Dr. Doggett uses this treatment for many cancers between the base of the skull and mid-thigh. This includes lung, breast, prostate, liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder, melanoma, salivary gland, and several rare cancers.

Brachytherapy is not used for cancers in the brain, heart, blood vessels, or spinal cord.

Yes. Brachytherapy can be used as the first treatment for some cancers, like pancreas, breast, lung, and bone cancer. Many other primary cancers can be treated with brachytherapy too.

No, you won’t be radioactive. A radiation detector might pick up small amounts of radiation near your skin for a few weeks, but it’s not enough to harm anyone. It’s safe to be around others, including kids, pregnant women, and pets. You can be in close proximity to your loved ones.

You’ll be under anesthesia and won’t feel anything. During the procedure, a CT scan is used to plan exactly where the seeds go. A needle is used to place the seeds directly into the tumor. Afterward, you’ll wake up in the recovery room.

No. The seeds stay in your body permanently. They’re made of titanium, which is safe and commonly used in medical devices like pacemakers and hip implants.

The seeds lose most of their radiation within 6 to 8 weeks.

Since the seeds give off very low energy and are placed inside the tumor, they don’t affect much of the healthy tissue. Side effects are rare, but can include mild fatigue and, if seeds are close to the skin, some redness for a few weeks.

Maybe. Some patients with many tumors in their livers, lungs or bones may need to have another session of brachytherapy to reduce their tumor burden. Some people also need chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or other treatments depending on their specific case. Every treatment plan is personalized.

You’ll have CT scans every 3 months during the first year. Dr. Doggett will also check in with you in person or through telemedicine every few months

Yes. Dr Doggett has implanted as many as twenty spots during a one-hour brachytherapy treatment session. This is not possible with external radiation or with cryotherapy or thermal therapy.

Yes. If new areas of cancer appear, further brachytherapy can be given. Some patients have successfully had 5 or 6 rounds of brachytherapy but most patients do not need this many.