Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy used to treat cancer by placing a radioactive source directly inside or very close to the tumor. This technique allows for high doses of radiation to be delivered to the cancerous area while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
Procedure
In brachytherapy, a small radioactive source is placed inside or near the tumor through a catheter, needle, or applicator. The exact placement of the source is guided by imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI. The radiation is delivered over a specific period, which can range from a single session to several days, depending on the treatment plan.
Types
- Low-Dose Rate (LDR) Brachytherapy: Radioactive sources are placed inside the body for a longer period, typically 1-7 days, providing a continuous, low dose of radiation.
- High-Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy: Radioactive sources are placed temporarily and removed after delivering a high dose of radiation in a short time, often within minutes.
- Pulse-Dose Rate (PDR) Brachytherapy: Combines aspects of LDR and HDR, with radiation delivered in pulses over a period.
Applications
Brachytherapy is commonly used to treat cancers such as prostate, cervical, breast, and endometrial cancers. It is particularly useful for treating localized tumors or those in specific anatomical sites.
Advantages
- Precision: Targets cancer cells with high accuracy while sparing healthy tissues.
- Efficiency: Often requires fewer treatments compared to external beam radiation therapy.
- Reduced Side Effects: Lower radiation doses to surrounding tissues can result in fewer side effects and a quicker recovery.
Outcome
The effectiveness of brachytherapy depends on factors like tumor type, location, and stage. It often leads to good outcomes with controlled tumor growth and reduced side effects, particularly when combined with other treatments. Regular follow-up and monitoring are essential to assess treatment success and manage any potential side effects.
