Brachytherapy, which is a modified form of prostate cancer treatment, has been used on two News Zealand patients. This has happened for the first time in the southern hemisphere.

Oncologist Dr John Matthews and urologist Derek Rothwell conducted the new procedure successfully in Auckland on patients at Southern Cross Brightside Hospital last week.

"The thinner needles make the procedure even less invasive and this is a significant advantage for patients," Dr Matthews said. It is possible that the thinner needles will cause less swelling in the prostate and there is a study in Seattle looking at whether the thinner needles will reduce the chance of urinary symptoms and impotence.”

An improved, higher radiation dose in the prostate, was also established by the study.

Experts now feel that for several men with early prostate cancer brachytherapy treatment method is an effective option.