How Prostate Brachytherapy Works
Who may benefit from LDR prostate brachytherapy?
Men with localized prostate cancer—including many with low or intermediate risk—may be candidates for LDR brachytherapy. For some higher‑risk cases, seeds can be used as a boost in combination with external radiation. Final recommendations depend on your PSA, biopsy, imaging, prostate size, urinary symptoms, and overall health. Your doctor will help determine the right treatment option for you.
Why many patients choose seeds
What sets our program apart:
Drs. Kurtzman, Agarwal, and Shumway have successfully treated thousands of men with prostate brachytherapy.
No two patients are alike, so our physicians adjust in the OR for precise seed placement.
We work closely with your urologist for pre‑planning and follow‑up.
The procedure is typically completed in one outpatient visit, and clear instructions for recovery are provided.
Prostate brachytherapy is a standard of care treatment usually covered by your health insurance. We will guide you on insurance coverage issues.
Learn more about LDR brachytherapy therapy
(PCRI) – Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer (Dr. Kurtzman & Dr. Agarwal)
Your Prostate Brachytherapy Journey—From Consultation to Follow‑U
Introduction to Western Radiation Oncology & Prostate Brachytherapy
What to expect from start to finish
1. Consultation
Consultation
A radiation oncology physician will review your history, PSA, biopsy, imaging, urinary symptoms, and goals. We will discuss all treatment options and determine whether brachytherapy is a good fit.
2. Pre‑planning
Pre‑planning
We coordinate any additional imaging or other tests needed prior to treatment. You’ll receive clear instructions on procedure preparation and follow-up (medications, bowel prep, etc., if needed).
3. Procedure Day (Outpatient)
Procedure Day (Outpatient)
The seeds are implanted using needles inserted through the perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus) under ultrasound guidance. The procedure is done while you are asleep under anesthesia. There are no incisions, and most patients go home the same day with little to no pain.
4. Recovery & Follow‑up
Recovery & Follow‑up
Most patients return to most normal activities the next day. We’ll check in, monitor your PSA, and coordinate care with your urologist.
Our Expert Team of Physicians
Physicians at Western Radiation Oncology have completed over 8,000 cases of prostate brachytherapy and
currently perform more than 1,000 a year – annually, more than any other physician group
doing palladium brachytherapy globally.
Steven Kurtzman, M.D.
Director of Western Radiation Oncology
Dr. Kurtzman is a board-certified radiation oncologist in practice since 1996. Dr. Kurtzman is nationally renowned for his real-time prostate brachytherapy expertise. He has taught the brachytherapy technique to physicians across the U.S. for two decades and has served on medical advisory boards for multiple companies regarding brachytherapy.
Ankit Agarwal, M.D.
Director of Prostate Brachytherapy
Dr. Agarwal has treated over 1,000 men using intraoperatively planned prostate brachytherapy at centers across the United States. In addition, he has treated several hundred men with Cyberknife/SBRT radition therapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, and radiopharmaceutical treatments such as Xofigo and Pluvicto. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Agarwal has published in leading national academic journals and has served in leadership roles in the American Medical Association and American Society for Radiation Oncology.
John Shumway, M.D.
Director of Advanced Prostate Cancer Therapeutics
Dr. Shumway is a skilled and accomplished radiation oncologist who specializes in the use of brachytherapy for prostate cancer. In addition to being the lead radiation oncologist at one of the busiest brachytherapy programs on the West Coast (El Camino Hospital), he leads the advanced prostate cancer division of Western Radiation Oncology, focusing on treatments such as Pluvicto. Dr. Shumway routinely travels across the country to perform prostate brachytherapy.
Frequently asked questions
Seeds are a well‑established option for many men with localized prostate cancer. They’re typically done in one outpatient visit and can offer strong long‑term control in appropriate candidates. For many men, seeds can offer both superior cure rates and lower complication rates compared to other forms of therapy. We’ll help you compare all options based on your case.
It depends. Some men benefit from addressing urinary symptoms first; others may still be candidates. We’ll review your score/symptoms and imaging to advise safely.
Most patients go home the same day and resume light activity soon after. Temporary urinary or bowel symptoms can occur and usually improve over time.
Yes. For some higher‑risk cases, seeds may be combined with external radiation and short‑term hormonal therapy.
Brachytherapy is a standard of care treatment treatment that is covered by most major health insurance plans. We accept many major insurance plans and can assist with navigating the insurance coverage process.
Our Locations
Information on this page is for educational purposes and not medical advice. Individual results vary.
Talk with your physician about risks, benefits, and alternatives for your specific situation.
WRO is a multi-physician, multi-location cancer treatment practice specializing in advanced, targeted radiation therapy for prostate cancer.
