Brachytherapy
What is Brachytherapy?
The seeds, ribbons, or capsules containing the radiation source are implanted in the patient’s body at or near the tumour site, making brachytherapy a form of internal radiation therapy. The implants temporarily release radiation. With this strategy, Dr Motilall can concentrate radiation therapy on a smaller area and spare healthy tissue and organs from exposure. Brachytherapy is a localised therapy. Head and neck, breast, cervix, prostate, and eye cancer are all common targets for this therapy.
Types of Brachytherapy
Dr Motilall may advise you to get a brachytherapy implant. Some stay in the body for the rest of the time. After treatment is complete, Dr Motilall will take out the temporary implants. She will determine the most effective treatment option based on your individual condition. Medical devices used in brachytherapy include:
High-dose-rate (HDR) implants
High-dose-rate (HDR) implants emit radiation rapidly for 10–20 minutes. Following that, your healthcare provider will take out the implant. The recommended treatment schedule can range from twice daily for up to five days to once weekly for up to five weeks.- Low-dose-rate (LDR) implants
Low-dose-rate (LDR) implants release radiation for one week. After treatment, your doctor may remove or leave the implants indefinitely. - Permanent
Radioactive implants continuously release radiation until they are completely depleted. The implant, also called a seed, is permanently lodged in your body and is about the size of a grain of rice. Implanting seeds is another name for this procedure.
Who is a Candidate for Brachytherapy?
Prostate cancer patients are the most frequent recipients of brachytherapy. In addition to treating breast, lung, rectal, eye, and skin cancer, brachytherapy can also treat gynaecological cancers like cervical and uterine cancer. Low-risk cancer patients are the ideal candidates for brachytherapy. Patients with organ-confined, intermediate-risk cancers are considered ideal candidates for brachytherapy. There is little to no risk of adverse effects from brachytherapy, yet it is highly effective in lowering the likelihood of cancer returning. Side-by-side brachytherapy may be necessary for some patients, which is a variant of external beam radiation therapy. Depending on your situation, Dr Motilall can advise you on the most effective oncological treatments, including brachytherapy.
How is brachytherapy done?
The procedure may differ depending on the type of brachytherapy and cancer. Anaesthesia will be administered to keep you from feeling anything during the procedure. Dr Motilall implants the radioactive materials with the help of a catheter applicator device. The tumour or the area nearby can be the brachytherapy site. You might have to leave the catheter or applicator until you're done with your treatments.