Brachytherapy, also known as internal radiation therapy, is one form of radiation therapy used to treat cancer. This method is unique because of its method of delivering radiation to the tumor. But what exactly is brachytherapy and how does it work?
What is brachytherapy?
Brachytherapy is a method of radiation therapy in which a radiation source is placed inside or adjacent to the area requiring treatment. Unlike external radiation therapy, where radiation is directed from an external machine, brachytherapy allows radiation to be delivered directly to the tumor, reducing the exposure of healthy tissue.
How does brachytherapy work?
During the brachytherapy procedure, small radioactive "seeds" or "pellets" are placed in the patient's body. Their placement can be done with needles, catheters, balloons or special applicators, and the exact location of implantation depends on the location and size of the tumor.
The delivered seeds emit radiation that acts on the tumor at close range. The radiation acts for a specified period of time on the cancer cells, destroying them or preventing them from reproducing. The use of brachytherapy allows effective treatment of the tumor while reducing the exposure of healthy tissue to radiation.
Brachytherapy options
There are two main types of brachytherapy: low dose rate (LDR) and high dose rate (HDR). In LDR brachytherapy, radioactive seeds are placed in the body for an extended period of time, and can sometimes remain there permanently - emitting a small amount of radiation over a long period of time. In HDR brachytherapy, a higher dose of radiation is delivered for a shorter period of time; the radiation source is placed in the body only for the procedure and is removed after the radiation treatment is completed.
Brachytherapy applications
Brachytherapy is used to treat many different types of cancer, including prostate, cervical, skin, breast, colorectal and other cancers. The decision to use it depends on the location and stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and the availability and effectiveness of other treatments.
Conclusions
Brachytherapy is a valuable tool in the fight against cancer, making it possible to precisely irradiate tumors while reducing the exposure of healthy tissues to radiation. However, like any form of therapy, it has its specific limitations and potential side effects, which should be thoroughly discussed with a physician before deciding on treatment.
