Radiotherapy for prostate cancer
You may have both internal radiotherapy and external radiotherapy. External radiotherapy uses a machine outside the body to direct radiation beams at the cancer.
Find out more about external radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Permanent seed brachytherapy is when your doctor puts very small radioactive metal seeds into your prostate gland. Over a few months, the seeds slowly release a low level of radiation into the area of the prostate.
Temporary brachytherapy is when your doctor puts radioactive pellets in your prostate gland. They take them out at the end of the treatment. It is also called high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy.
Brachytherapy can cause some long term side effects. These include problems passing urine and difficulty getting an erection.
Last reviewed: 27 Jun 2025
Next review due: 27 Jun 2028
