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Internal Radiation Technique

Internal radiation therapy for treating cancer is also known as brachytherapy. The procedure involves placing the radioactive material into or near the cancer site to kill the cancerous cells. Brachytherapy is used in treating various cancers, such as cancers of the brain, breast, thyroid, eye, uterus, gallbladder, skin, head and neck, rectal, prostate, and lungs. The advantages of brachytherapy include an optimal dose at the target site and minimal damage to the surrounding tissues.

Our Offerings

  • Intracavitary Radiotherapy: In Intracavitary radiation therapy, the device with the radiation material is placed in the body tissues. Intracavitary radiation technique is used to treat various cancers, such as cervical or endometrial cancer. The device may be in the shape of a cylinder or tube that can be customized to fit into the specific opening of the body. This device can be placed at the required site by either human hands or a computerized machine. The radiotherapy team confirms the correct positioning of the device through imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or CT scans.
  • MR-Based Hybrid Interstitial Brachytherapy: The insertion of the device containing the radioactive material into the interstitial tissue with MRI guidance is known as interstitial brachytherapy. Several devices are used for interstitial brachytherapy, such as needles, wires, balloons, and small seeds. Hybrid brachytherapy involves the use of interstitial brachytherapy along with Intracavitary brachytherapy. Studies have reported achieving higher target doses and excellent local control with combined Intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy with acceptable side effects.

Faq's

What are the various types of brachytherapy implants?

The types of brachytherapy implants are:

  • Low-dose rate implants: The low-dose rate implants release a small dose of radiation continuously for one day to a week. Other people are at increased risk of exposure at this time, and the patient is admitted to the hospital during treatment.
  • High-dose-rate implants:The high-dose implants provide a high-dose of radiation for 15 to 20 minutes. Treatment may be two times a day for up to five weeks or one time a week for up to five weeks.
  • Permanent implants: Permanent implants release radiation rapidly, reducing radioactivity levels with time. It is also known as seed implantation. The healthcare provider restricts the patient’s interaction with others during the initial phase of treatment.

How does the patient prepare for brachytherapy?

The patient undergoing brachytherapy may require the following:

  • Comprehensive physical examination
  • Review of medical history, including the status of pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Undergoing imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRI
  • Avoiding certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding, such as NSAIDs and blood thinners
  • Bowel preparation
  • Avoiding drinking or eating the night prior to brachytherapy
  • Stopping smoking or using tobacco products

What should a person do after receiving brachytherapy?

The patients should strictly follow the advice of the healthcare provider. They should take adequate rest and limit their activity. It is important to take advice from the doctor about interacting with others. It is important to avoid interaction with young children or pregnant women for the period decided by the healthcare provider.