Brachytherapy

Inward Precision, Outward Health: Brachytherapy's Promise for Tomorrow

At Universal Hospital, we specialize in brachytherapy—an advanced form of radiation therapy that delivers precise radiation directly to the site of cancer. Our expert team of radiation oncologists and medical physicists is dedicated to providing personalized and effective brachytherapy treatments for various types of cancers.

What is Brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy where radioactive sources are placed directly within or near the tumor, allowing for highly targeted and concentrated radiation treatment. This approach minimizes radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues and enhances the effectiveness of cancer treatment.

How Brachytherapy Works

Brachytherapy delivers radiation therapy internally, using sealed radioactive sources placed in or near the tumor. There are two main types of brachytherapy:

1. Interstitial Brachytherapy:

Radioactive sources are placed directly within the tumor or surrounding tissues. This is commonly used for cancers like prostate, breast, and gynecological cancers.

2. Intracavitary Brachytherapy:

Radioactive sources are inserted into body cavities near the tumor. This is often used for cancers of the cervix, uterus, or esophagus.

Types of Brachytherapy

Prostate Brachytherapy:

Used for treating prostate cancer, radioactive seeds are implanted directly into the prostate. This allows for a high dose of radiation to be delivered precisely to the cancerous tissue.

Breast Brachytherapy:

After a lumpectomy for breast cancer, a balloon or catheter is placed in the cavity left by the tumor, and radioactive sources are inserted for targeted radiation.

Gynecological Brachytherapy:

Commonly used for treating cervical, uterine, or vaginal cancers. Radioactive sources are placed inside or near the tumor.

Interstitial Brachytherapy for Head and Neck Cancers:

Used for cancers in the head and neck region, radioactive sources are inserted directly into the tumor or surrounding tissues.

Indications for Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is employed in various scenarios, including:

Curative Intent: As the primary treatment for certain cancers, delivering a high dose of radiation to eradicate cancer cells.
Adjuvant Therapy: After surgery target any remaining cancer cells.
Palliative Care: To alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with advanced cancer.

Benefits of Brachytherapy

Precise Targeting:

Brachytherapy allows for the delivery of a high dose of radiation directly to the tumor, minimizing exposure to nearby healthy tissues.

Shorter Treatment Duration:

Compared to external beam radiation, brachytherapy often involves a shorter treatment course.

Reduced Side Effects:

By focusing radiation on the tumor, brachytherapy can help spare surrounding healthy tissues and minimize side effects.

Considerations and Potential Side Effects

While brachytherapy is generally well-tolerated, it may have specific side effects, including:

Temporary Discomfort: Patients may experience discomfort during the placement of radioactive sources, which is temporary.
Fatigue: Some patients may experience fatigue during and after treatment.
Local Skin Reactions: Skin reactions can occur in areas close to the radioactive sources.

Your healthcare team will discuss potential side effects, monitor your response to brachytherapy, and provide support to manage any challenges.

Brachytherapy at Universal Hospital:

Expert Radiation Oncology Team:

Universal Hospital is home to a team of experienced radiation oncologists and specialists in brachytherapy. Our experts are committed to providing individualized and effective brachytherapy plans.

Cutting-Edge Brachytherapy Facilities:

Our hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including specialized brachytherapy suites and advanced imaging technology. This ensures precise and targeted delivery of radiation during brachytherapy procedures.

Personalized Treatment Plans:

Universal Hospital follows a patient-centered approach, creating customized brachytherapy plans based on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, tumor location, and the patient’s overall health.