Description: Brachytherapy is a form of radiation therapy where a radioactive source is placed inside or near the tumor. This approach allows for delivering a high dose of radiation directly to the cancerous tissue while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Brachytherapy is commonly used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including prostate, cervical, and breast cancer. There are different techniques of brachytherapy, which can be classified into high-dose-rate (HDR) and low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy, depending on the amount of radiation delivered and the exposure time. Brachytherapy can be an effective and less invasive treatment option compared to surgery, and its application can be tailored to the specific characteristics of the tumor and the patient. This method not only aims to eradicate cancer cells but also to preserve the patient’s quality of life by reducing the side effects associated with external radiation therapy. The precision in placing the radioactive sources is crucial for the success of the treatment, requiring a multidisciplinary team that includes oncologists, radiologists, and medical physicists to plan and execute the procedure safely and effectively.
History: Brachytherapy has its roots in early experiments with radiation in the late 19th century. In 1896, physicist Henri Becquerel discovered radioactivity, leading medical pioneers to explore its use in cancer treatment. In 1910, the first documented brachytherapy was performed on a patient with cervical cancer using a radioactive source. Throughout the 20th century, the technique evolved with the development of new radioactive sources and application methods, such as the use of permanent and temporary implants. In the 1970s, brachytherapy became established as a standard treatment option for various types of cancer, thanks to advances in imaging technology and treatment planning. Today, brachytherapy is a well-established and widely used technique in oncology.
Uses: Brachytherapy is primarily used in the treatment of localized cancers, where radiation can be applied precisely. Its most common applications include prostate cancer, where radioactive seeds can be implanted directly into the prostate gland; cervical cancer, where applicators are used to place radioactive sources in the cervical canal; and breast cancer, where brachytherapy can be applied after surgery to eliminate any residual cancerous cells. It is also used in other types of cancer, such as skin cancer and head and neck cancer, depending on the tumor’s location and characteristics.
Examples: An example of brachytherapy is the treatment of prostate cancer through the implantation of radioactive seeds that release radiation in a controlled manner over an extended period. Another case is interstitial brachytherapy in breast cancer, where a catheter is placed in the tumor bed after surgery to deliver radiation directly to the affected area. In cervical cancer, applicators are used to introduce radioactive sources into the cervical canal, allowing for a high dose of radiation to the tumor while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.
