iodine-125 seed

Iodine-125 seeds are small sealed sources of the radioactive isotope iodine-125 used primarily in brachytherapy for the treatment of localized cancers. The seeds are typically encapsulated in titanium and permanently implanted into or near tumor tissue using needles. Once implanted, they emit low-dose-rate gamma and X-ray radiation continuously over weeks to months. This radiation causes DNA damage in tumor cells through direct ionization and generation of reactive oxygen species, leading to cell cycle arrest (G2/M), inhibition of mitosis, apoptosis induction, reduced proliferation and metastasis potential. The main clinical indication is permanent interstitial treatment for localized prostate cancer; other uses include eye plaque therapy for ocular tumors and localization/therapy for breast lesions or other solid tumors. Multiple manufacturers produce these seeds under various brand names with strict quality controls on radioactivity calibration and biocompatibility[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].

Brand names

IsoSeedAdvantage I-125BrachySource I-125 SeedBest Iodine-125 Seed

Other names

iodine-125 brachytherapy seediodine125 brachytherapy seediodine 125 brachytherapy seedradioactive iodine seed