iodine-125 seed implantation (iodine i 125)

Iodine-125 seed implantation is a form of low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy primarily utilized for the treatment of localized prostate cancer and other solid tumors. The procedure involves the permanent interstitial placement of small, sealed titanium capsules (seeds) containing the radioactive isotope iodine-125 directly into the tumor tissue. Iodine-125 decays via electron capture with a half-life of approximately 59.4 days, emitting low-energy gamma rays and X-rays (primarily 27-35 keV). This allows for the continuous delivery of a therapeutic radiation dose that is highly localized, maximizing the destruction of malignant cells while minimizing radiation exposure to adjacent healthy structures such as the rectum and bladder. It is frequently used as a monotherapy for low-risk prostate cancer or in combination with external beam radiation therapy for intermediate-to-high-risk cases.

Brand names

OncoSeedEchoSeedI-SeedBrachySourceThinStrandProspera

Other names

iodine-125 seed implantationiodine125 seed implantationiodine 125 seed implantationiodine-125 brachytherapyiodine125 brachytherapyiodine 125 brachytherapylow-dose-rate brachytherapyLDR-BTinterstitial iodine-125