What is Brachytherapy: Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results

Definition and Overview

Also known as internal radiotherapy, brachytherapy is a type of cancer treatment that involves placing radioactive materials directly into or near the tumor to shrink or destroy it as opposed to external radiotherapy, where radiation energy is delivered from outside the body.

Brachytherapy has a very long history beginning in the 1900s. However, its popularity declined through the years due to the possible side effects of long-term exposure to radioactive materials especially among operators. Fortunately, advanced technologies now allow them to administer these materials remotely and with the least contact possible.

Who should undergo and expected results

Brachytherapy has been shown to be effective in treating different types of cancer but not limited to prostate, cervical, uterine, eye, vaginal, and rectal cancers. It offers the following benefits to the patient:

• Shorter treatment time. When compared to external radiation therapy, internal radiotherapy can be completed in less than seven days instead of weeks.

• It is more effective. Many experts believe that brachytherapy is more effective than external radiation therapy due to its precision as radiation is applied directly to the tumor. This means that the radiation no longer has to pass through several tissues or organs that can delay the effects of the procedure. Also, with brachytherapy, radiation can be given in high doses which can further shorten treatment time.

• Reduced side effects. Due to its precision or accuracy, internal radiotherapy is less likely to damage healthy tissues that surround the tumor and allows patients to keep their affected organ in some cases. For people with prostate cancer, for example, brachytherapy can cure the disease without the need to surgically remove the prostate glands.

• It works with other forms of cancer treatment. Brachytherapy can be combined with other cancer treatment methods including chemotherapy and surgery. It may also be carried out as part of palliative care (symptom management).

How the procedure works

The treatment program begins with thorough planning. In this stage, the patient works with his oncology team to ascertain:

• The stage, prognosis, location, and type of cancer
• The overall health condition of the patient
• Procedures that may have to be performed before or alongside brachytherapy
• Dose, placement, and duration of the treatment

These may be determined through a series of tests such as imaging scanners (MRI, CT, or PET) and blood tests, as well as a review of the patient’s oncological records.

During the actual treatment, a team prepares the patient. He is sent to a special room dedicated to the procedure. Given the nature of the treatment, this room is radioactive and special gear needs to be worn, especially by the medical team. They review the treatment plan and provide an overview on how the actual procedure will occur, including how the materials will enter the body and their rate of radiation.

The patient lies on the table and is connected to applicators, or tools that are used to deliver the radioactive materials. They may be made of metal or plastic including catheters. The applicators are connected to an offloading machine, which contains the radioactive materials. The machine also has settings so the team can customize the treatment for the patient based on the agreed-upon treatment plan.

Depending on the kind of brachytherapy performed, the machine may receive the materials back or the delivery is only one way. After the procedure, the applicators are removed, and the patient is allowed to recovery and is checked for any side effect.

Possible risks and complications

Brachytherapy, when done right, doesn’t pose serious health risks to the patient or even the people near him. In permanent brachytherapy, the emission is so low that the person doesn’t become “radioactive.” However, the inactive seeds may react to magnets like metal detectors found in airports. In rare cases, the seeds may move to other organs, but since they are inactive, they are less likely to cause complications or damage.

Follow-up care, however, remains important not only to monitor the risks and complications but also to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and the progress of the disease.

References:

• Brachytherapy. RadiologyInfo.org. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=brachy.
• Radiation therapy and you: Support for people with cancer. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/radiation-therapy

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**What⁤ is Brachytherapy? An Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results**



**Introduction**

Brachytherapy is an advanced ⁢radiation⁤ therapy technique that involves⁤ placing ‍radioactive sources⁣ near or inside the tumor, delivering a precise and localized dose of radiation. Unlike traditional radiation therapy (external beam‍ radiation therapy), brachytherapy allows for direct targeting of cancerous tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.



**Overview**

Brachytherapy is typically administered through​ catheters, needles,⁣ or seeds ‌that are‍ inserted ​directly into or near the tumor. The ‌radioactive ⁢sources emit⁤ radiation for⁣ a⁤ defined period, ranging ​from minutes to⁤ days, depending on the specific​ type of brachytherapy and the condition being treated. Common sites for brachytherapy include ⁢the prostate, cervix, breast, and head and neck region.



**Benefits of‌ Brachytherapy**

* **Precise⁢ Targeting:** Brachytherapy delivers radiation ⁢directly ‌to the tumor, reducing the risk of damage to healthy tissue.

* **Minimized Side Effects:** Due to the⁤ localized nature of ‌treatment, brachytherapy causes fewer side effects compared to external⁤ beam radiation⁤ therapy.

* **Effective for Small or‍ Localized Tumors:** Brachytherapy is particularly⁢ suitable for treating​ small or localized tumors that are difficult to‍ treat ‌with external beam radiation therapy.

* **Less Invasive:** In some cases, ‍brachytherapy can be performed as an outpatient procedure, reducing the need for⁢ hospital ​stays.



**Expected Results**

The expected results of brachytherapy​ vary ⁣depending on the type of cancer being‍ treated and individual ⁣patient factors. However, brachytherapy is generally effective in controlling ‌or eliminating cancer growth within the targeted area. In some cases, brachytherapy may be used as a‌ standalone treatment, ‍while in others, it may be combined with other therapies‍ such as ⁣surgery or external beam radiation therapy.



**Types of Brachytherapy**

There are several different types ‍of brachytherapy, including:



* **Intracavitary Brachytherapy:** Radioactive sources are placed within a body cavity, such ​as the cervix or vagina.

* **Intraluminal⁢ Brachytherapy:** Radioactive sources are inserted into a body passage, such⁢ as the esophagus⁤ or ‌trachea.

* **Interstitial Brachytherapy:** ‍Radioactive sources are⁣ placed directly into the tumor using needles⁢ or catheters.

* **Surface Brachytherapy:** Radioactive sources are placed on the ⁢surface of the skin to treat superficial cancers.



**Conclusion**

Brachytherapy is ‌a valuable treatment option for localized cancer that offers ⁢the benefits ⁢of precise ‍targeting, minimized side effects, and⁣ improved treatment outcomes. By ⁢delivering radiation directly to the tumor,⁤ brachytherapy⁢ reduces the risk of damage ⁢to‌ healthy tissue, making it a more effective and tolerable treatment choice.