Brachytherapy: Effective Cancer Methods

Understanding Brachytherapy and Its Role in Modern Cancer Treatment

Brachytherapy is a specialized form of radiotherapy in which a radioactive source is placed directly next to or within the tumor. It allows radiation to target cancer cells more precisely while protecting surrounding healthy tissues. This advanced method has proven to be highly successful in the treatment of gynecological cancers, such as uterine, cervical, and vaginal cancers, as well as lung cancer and skin cancer.

Liv Hospital Radiation Oncology Specialist Professor Dr. Merdan Fayda emphasizes that the latest developments in Brachytherapy have greatly improved patient outcomes. Thanks to three-dimensional imaging techniques, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, doctors can now plan and deliver radiation with remarkable precision. The growing use of 3D Brachytherapy has significantly increased treatment success rates while reducing side effects, making it one of the most effective radiation therapy options available today.

What Makes Brachytherapy Unique

Unlike external beam radiotherapy, which delivers radiation from outside the body, Brachytherapy delivers radiation directly at the tumor site. This close placement of the radioactive source ensures that cancer cells receive a higher dose of radiation while the surrounding healthy tissues are exposed to much lower doses. Because of this precision, Brachytherapy allows doctors to destroy tumors effectively while minimizing potential damage to nearby organs.

Brachytherapy is also a time-efficient treatment. Depending on the cancer type and treatment plan, it can be completed in fewer sessions than conventional radiotherapy. This makes it a preferred choice for patients who require shorter treatment times and faster recovery.

The Main Types of Brachytherapy Applications

There are three main methods of Brachytherapy application, each chosen based on the location and nature of the tumor. These techniques allow physicians to adapt the treatment to different areas of the body with precision and control.

Intracavitary Brachytherapy

Intracavitary Brachytherapy involves placing specialized applicators inside the natural cavities of the body, such as the uterus, cervix, or bronchi. This method allows radiation to be applied directly to the tumor area, ensuring optimal targeting of cancer cells. It is particularly effective for treating gynecological cancers and certain types of lung cancers located near body cavities. Because of its localized nature, intracavitary Brachytherapy minimizes side effects and helps preserve healthy tissues surrounding the treatment area.

Interstitial Brachytherapy

In interstitial Brachytherapy, radioactive sources are placed directly within the affected tissue. This method uses needles or small catheters to deliver radiation to the tumor site. Interstitial Brachytherapy is especially useful for cancers that cannot be easily reached through natural body cavities. For example, in prostate cancer, a permanent implant technique known as low-dose-rate Brachytherapy is often used. This approach provides a slow and continuous radiation dose, which enhances tumor control while maintaining the safety of nearby organs.

Contact Brachytherapy

Contact Brachytherapy, also known as surface Brachytherapy, is used for tumors that develop on or near the body’s surface, such as skin cancers. In this method, the radioactive source is applied directly onto the surface of the skin or used during surgery to treat the targeted area. One of the most notable forms of this technique is intraoperative radiotherapy, which allows radiation to be administered during surgery. This approach is particularly beneficial for small or superficial tumors.

Three Dimensional Brachytherapy in Gynecological Tumors

Brachytherapy plays a critical role in the treatment of gynecological cancers and is often applied in combination with other therapies. It is most frequently used in uterine, cervical, and vaginal cancers. For patients who are not suitable for surgery, Brachytherapy may be applied as a standalone treatment alongside external radiotherapy.

Recent advancements have transformed conventional two-dimensional Brachytherapy into three-dimensional applications. By using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, specialists can visualize the tumor and surrounding tissues in great detail. This allows them to accurately position radioactive sources and deliver targeted doses of radiation. Three-dimensional Brachytherapy not only improves treatment outcomes but also reduces damage to sensitive organs such as the bladder, rectum, and sigmoid colon.

At Liv Hospital, multidisciplinary teams of gynecologic oncologists, radiologists, and physicists work together to plan each patient’s Brachytherapy treatment. This collaborative approach ensures precise targeting, effective results, and minimal side effects.

Skin Brachytherapy and the Leipzig Applicator

Skin Brachytherapy has become an effective option for treating early-stage squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas. This technique is particularly valuable for tumors located on cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face, where surgical procedures may leave visible scars. The Leipzig applicator, designed specifically for skin Brachytherapy, allows radiation to be delivered precisely to the affected skin surface while minimizing exposure to deeper tissues.

Patients who are not ideal candidates for surgery can benefit from Skin Brachytherapy as a non-invasive and effective alternative. When approved by a plastic surgeon, this treatment offers excellent tumor control and aesthetic results.

Three Dimensional Brachytherapy in Lung Cancers

For certain lung cancer patients, especially those who cannot undergo external radiotherapy, Brachytherapy offers a safe and effective treatment alternative. In such cases, radioactive sources are placed inside tubes inserted into the main airways with assistance from a pulmonology team. This method is particularly beneficial for controlling tumors that block or narrow the bronchi.

Three-dimensional imaging plays an essential role in lung Brachytherapy as well. By accurately identifying the target area, doctors can guide the radioactive source to the precise location of the tumor. The procedure is usually painless, though local or general anesthesia may be used when necessary to ensure patient comfort.

The Advantages of Modern Brachytherapy

The advantages of Brachytherapy are numerous. The treatment delivers high doses of radiation directly to the tumor with exceptional accuracy, thereby increasing treatment effectiveness while protecting surrounding organs. Because the radiation is localized, side effects such as fatigue or skin irritation are typically mild and temporary.

Brachytherapy also offers flexibility in dosing and scheduling. Depending on the type of cancer and the patient’s overall condition, treatment can be administered as a single session or multiple fractions over several days. Additionally, the recovery period after Brachytherapy is generally short, allowing patients to return to their daily activities quickly.

At Liv Hospital, Brachytherapy is performed using advanced planning systems and modern imaging tools. Each treatment is personalized according to the patient’s anatomy, ensuring the best possible balance between effectiveness and safety. The Radiation Oncology Department combines cutting-edge technology with a compassionate approach, providing patients with comprehensive care throughout every step of the treatment process.

The Future of Brachytherapy

The field of Brachytherapy continues to evolve with advancements in imaging, radiation delivery systems, and treatment planning. As technology improves, treatments are becoming even more precise and patient-friendly. Future developments are expected to expand the use of Brachytherapy to additional cancer types and improve its integration with other treatment modalities such as immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

At Liv Hospital, specialists are at the forefront of implementing these new technologies. The integration of 3D imaging, artificial intelligence, and automated planning systems enhances both accuracy and patient outcomes. With its patient-centered philosophy and dedication to scientific excellence, Liv Hospital continues to provide world-class care in Radiation Oncology.

Brachytherapy represents a perfect example of how modern medicine combines technology and expertise to improve patients’ lives. Through precise radiation targeting, shorter recovery times, and fewer side effects, Brachytherapy stands as one of the most advanced and effective cancer treatments available today.

* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .

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