Brachytherapy represents a unique medical approach to cancer treatment. A form of radiotherapy, this method aims to destroy or control cancer cells by targeting them. Brachytherapy is performed by placing a radioactive source in the patient’s body or directly in the tumor area. This technique is applied by radiation oncologists and is considered an effective treatment option, especially for prostate, cervical, uterus, eye, brain and skin cancers.
What is brachytherapy?
When asked “What does brachytherapy mean?”; brachytherapy is a treatment method that involves placing small radioactive sources inside the body to apply radiation directly to cancer cells. This method delivers high doses of radiotherapy to the tumor area while minimally affecting surrounding healthy tissues. It is usually applied in addition to external radiation therapy.
The main goal of treatment is to deliver a concentrated dose of radiation to the tumor area while sparing surrounding normal tissue. Radioactive sources are placed in natural body cavities using special applicators, in direct contact with the target tissue. Brachytherapy is most commonly used in women for uterine and cervical cancers; external radiotherapy is usually administered first, followed by brachytherapy to increase regional doses. It is also known as internal radiotherapy.
How is brachytherapy performed?
During brachytherapy, radioactive sources are surgically placed into, around, or in nearby areas of a tumor. The radiation from these sources delivers high doses of radiation to tumor cells, reducing the impact on surrounding healthy tissue. The radioactive sources usually remain in the body for a few minutes to a few days and are then removed. The duration and method of treatment may vary depending on the type, size, and location of the tumor. Brachytherapy is an effective treatment option for a variety of cancers, including prostate, cervix, uterine, and skin cancers.
How many sessions of brachytherapy are applied?
Brachytherapy can be applied in different types depending on the dose and duration to be treated. Since this method emits radiation towards the person, the type of application is determined according to the type of cancer. There are 3 main types of brachytherapy:
- Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy (LDR): Radioactive sources deliver low doses of radiation to the tumor site over a long period of time.
- High Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR): Targets the tumor by applying high doses of radiation in a short time.
Continuous Brachytherapy: Radioactive sources remain in the body continuously, delivering low doses of radiation over a period of time.