Preparation and deployment of indigenous [sup.125]I-seeds for the treatment of prostate cancer: dawn of prostate brachytherapy in India

'Permanent seed implantation' using [sup.125]I- seeds has emerged as an effective treatment modality for management of prostate cancer. An indigenous technology for the production of [sup.125]I brachytherapy sources ('BARC [sup.125]I Ocu-Prosta seed') has been developed. In this current work, we describe an overview of our experience on large scale production of [sup.125]I brachytherapy sources, their quality assessment, in vivo bio-evaluation and initial experience on their journey from bench to bed-side for the treatment of prostate cancer. Keywords [sup.125]I-seed * Bioevaluatin * Brachytherapy * Encapsulation * Prostate cancer * Quality control * Ultrasonography