Does brachytherapy for prostate cancer have the same side effects as beam radiation?

Yes: Brachytherapy is another form of radiation therapy to treat prostate cancer. The only difference is the manner in which the radiation is delivered. Brachytherapy may cause more urinary symptoms since a higher dose of radiation is delivered in a shorter amount of time. However, the side effects are about the same which include urinary frequency, urinating at night, and some mild urinary discomfort.

No: Though both types of radiation are delivered to the prostate the brachytherapy has higher levels of radiation that cause more urinary symptoms than external beam. The external beam radiation has greater side effects on the rectum where as a properly performed brachytherapy procedure should have virtually no rectal symptoms.

Similar: External beam radiation (XRT) has been a treatment for prostate cancer for > 60 years. Brachytherapy or seed implant therapy was devised as a way of trying to reduce the effect of the beam radiation on local tissues such as the bladder and rectum. Both therapies can result in bowel and bladder irritation, though usually not severe. Xrt does have a higher risk for subsequent bladder cancer.

Proportionate RIsk: I emphasize risk of urinary effects with brachytherapy, but many if not most have none; i emphasize risk of proctitis even 3-4 years later, in fewer than 10%, but this can happen with either method, but commonly does not happen to most. Some patients getting both, have higher risks. But risk does not mean actually getting a problem, but you need to know to be informed.