Two New Zealand patients have received brachytherapy, a modified form of prostate cancer treatment, used for the first time in the southern hemisphere.

Brachytherapy, which has been practised for 20-years, involves permanent implantation of tiny radioactive seeds in the prostate gland.

Initial studies on the new ‘ThinStrand’ technology in the United States reveal the use of smaller needles for implanting smaller seeds results in less bruising and less pain and tenderness in the period following the implant. As well, the studies found an improvement in the higher doses of radiation in the prostate.

Dr John Matthews, an oncologist and Derek Rothwell, an urologist successfully carried out the new procedure on patients at Southern Cross Brightside Hospital in Auckland last week.

Matthews felt the thinner needles made the procedure less invasive and said another study was being carried out in Seattle to find out, whether use of thinner needles will also reduced the chances of urinary symptoms and impotence.

An effective option for men with early prostrate cancer, the brachytherapy treatment method Barry Young, President of the Prostate Cancer Foundation said, was first used here over 10 years ago.

While, he said the treatment was a less invasive option, men should study what other treatments are available and then consult with their doctors for the best one for them.