Brachytherapy

What is Brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy is a type of cancer treatment that involves placing radioactive material directly inside or very close to a tumour. This method allows doctors to deliver high doses of radiation to cancer cells while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

How Does Brachytherapy Work?

In Brachytherapy, tiny radioactive seeds or sources are placed in or near the tumour. These sources emit radiation over a short distance, targeting the cancer cells effectively. The radiation from these sources damages the DNA of the cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing, ultimately killing them.

Types of Brachytherapy:

High-Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy: Here, a more powerful radioactive source is placed inside or near the tumour for a short period, usually a few minutes, and then removed. This process may be repeated several times over a few days or weeks. Mostly done to treat cervical cancer.

Permanent Brachytherapy: Radioactive seeds are permanently implanted in or near the tumor. Over time, the radiation gradually decreases, and the seeds remain in the body without causing harm after the radiation is depleted mostly done for prostate cancer.

Benefits of Brachytherapy:

Targeted Treatment: Delivers radiation precisely to the tumour, sparing nearby healthy tissues.

Shorter Treatment Time: Often completed in fewer sessions compared to external beam radiation.

Effective Results: Highly effective for treating certain types of cancers, including prostate and cervical cancer.

The Brachytherapy Procedure:

Planning: Before the treatment, imaging tests (such as CT scans or MRIs) are used to determine the exact location and size of the tumour.

Placement: The radioactive seeds or sources are carefully placed in or near the tumour using special applicators, needles, or catheters. This may be done under local or general anaesthesia.

Monitoring: The placement and radiation dose are monitored to ensure accurate treatment.

Is Brachytherapy Right for You?

Brachytherapy is not suitable for all types of cancer. Your doctor will consider the type, location, and stage of your cancer, as well as your overall health, to determine if brachytherapy is an appropriate treatment option for you.

At Mountain View Oncology, we are dedicated to providing personalized care and the latest treatment options. If you have questions about Brachytherapy and how it might help you, our team is here to provide answers and support.