OVERVIEW
Brachytherapy, or Internal Radiation Therapy, is a form of radiation treatment for cancer wherein a radiation source is placed inside (interstitial brachytherapy) or very close to the tumor (intracavity brachytherapy).
Brachytherapy is largely used for the treatment of cervical cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer, endometrial cancer, uterine cancer, head and neck cancer, and eye cancer. It can also help in the management of soft tissue sarcomas.
Brachytherapy may be recommended alone or in combination with other cancer treatments like external beam radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or other systemic therapies. Brachytherapy may also be recommended as a part of the palliative care plan to help patients manage the symptoms of advanced-stage cancers.
Brachytherapy also helps reduce damage to the surrounding healthy tissues.
How Does Brachytherapy Work?
Brachytherapy is a minimally invasive procedure. Brachytherapy treatment planning is done through a specialized computer software system. During the procedure, the radiation source is directly placed inside or next to the tumor; this way, the tumor receives maximum radiation. Through its highly localized and precise approach, brachytherapy minimizes damage to the surrounding healthy tissues.
Special applicators are used to place the radiation source in the target area with the help of imaging solutions like MRI or ultrasound.
There are two types of brachytherapy: temporary brachytherapy and permanent brachytherapy.
Temporary Brachytherapy: Temporary brachytherapy is used to treat cancers present in the body cavity, such as the prostate, uterus, or vagina. Temporary brachytherapy may be administered at a high-dose rate or low-dose rate.
Temporary brachytherapy needs a delivery device, such as a catheter, applicator, or needle, to be placed before the radiation delivery. The radioactive source is administered through this delivery device. This device may be removed after each session or after the last session.
Permanent Brachytherapy: During permanent brachytherapy, a needle filled with radioactive seeds is inserted into the tumor. The seeds are left behind, whereas the needle is removed. These seeds are left to decay. As they gradually decay, they emit radiation, which kills the cancer cells. The patients need not worry about being radioactive for a long period, as these seeds will eventually stop emitting radiation. Permanent brachytherapy is administered at a low-dose rate.
Advantages of Brachytherapy Radiation Treatment
As a localized therapy, brachytherapy supports high-level treatment precision.
Through conformal targeting, brachytherapy helps reduce damage to the surrounding healthy tissues.
By facilitating high-dose radiation therapy, brachytherapy helps reduce the overall treatment duration.
It may also help patients prevent or delay organ loss by reducing the need for surgery.
As a palliative treatment, brachytherapy helps reduce pain and discomfort for patients.
