Thursday, 25th November 2004 (3096 views)

Doctors in Australia are using pieces of 24 carat gold to help the treatment of prostate cancer.

Three pieces of the precious metal, the same sort of size as a grain of rice, are inserted into the prostate with an ultrasound probe.

At present a trial is taking place using ten men and results are expected in a year's time.

According to consultant radiation oncologist Andrew See the gold acts like a global positioning device and allows radiation to be better targeted and more accurate than was possible before.

"We put three solid gold seeds into the prostate a week or two before the men actually undergo their radiation treatment," Dr See explained to AAP.

"When they come in and have their radiotherapy, we can accurately track where the prostate is on every day of their seven-week treatment."

The gold pieces are ribbed so they fit properly and so far no adverse impacts have been discovered, with grains available for around $400 including needles.

 

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