> Learn
about External Beam Radiation Therapy.
Brachytherapy
What is brachytherapy?
Brachytherapy treats cancer using precisely placed radioactive
implants in tumors. The implants can be permanent or
temporary, but the goal is the same: Conform the radiation
dose to the size and shape of the target and limit side
effects by sparing the surrounding healthy anatomy.
There are two kinds of brachytherapy: high dose rate
and low dose rate. Your doctor will tell you which option
will work better for you.
With high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, radioactive
material is temporarily placed directly into or near
a tumor. This procedure may also be called internal
radiation, implant radiation, or interstitial radiation
therapy. This procedure takes only minutes and significantly
reduces your discomfort.
With low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy, radioactive
implants (usually seeds) are permanently placed near
the tumor. The radiation exposure to the cancer can
take place over days or months depending on the individual.
When do you use brachytherapy?
The technique can be used to treat various types of
cancer including lung, esophageal, biliary tract, head
and neck, prostate, soft tissue sarcomas, breast, gynecological
and eye.
Ultrasound-guided
Radioactive Seed Implants
What are ultrasound-guided radioactive
seed implants?
Ultrasound-guided radioactive seed implants are most
commonly used to treat prostate cancer. In this procedure,
doctors implant radioactive isotopes, Iodine-125 or
Palladium-103, into the tumor site, guided by an ultrasound
machine to ensure correct placement of the radioactive
seeds. This procedure is associated with a high local
control rate, as well as significantly lowered complications,
including impotence.
