Brachytherapy is a type of radiotherapy in which a radioactive source is placed directly next to the tumor. It is used successfully to treat gynecological cancers (such as uterine, cervical, and vaginal cancers), lung cancer, and skin cancer. Modern brachytherapy can now be performed in 3D using advanced imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which are based on cross-sectional anatomy. As the use of 3D brachytherapy grows, treatment success rates increase while side effects decrease.
Liv Hospital Radiation Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Merdan Fayda explains that these advances allow for more precise targeting of tumors and better protection of healthy tissues. Brachytherapy is increasingly preferred in modern oncology because it delivers higher doses of radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, making the treatment safer and more effective.
Brachytherapy has three fundamental application methods:
This treatment has three fundamental application methods:
Intracavitary : This approach involves placing applicators inside the body's natural cavities—such as the uterus, cervix, or bronchi—to deliver radiation directly to the tumor area. This method is highly effective for treating tumors that are located within or near body cavities.
Interstitial : In this method, applicators or radioactive sources are placed directly within the affected tissue. This can be done via needles or as a permanent implant, as in permanent prostate low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy. It allows doctors to deliver precise doses over a longer period, improving the chances of tumor control.
Contact : Here, the radioactive source is applied to the surface of external tissues (such as the skin), or used during surgery when other organs are being removed, as in superficial intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT). This method is especially useful for superficial tumors or small localized lesions.
Three Dimensional Brachytherapy in Gynecological Tumors
In the treatment of gynecological tumors performed by physicians from different disciplines, brachytherapy has an important function and is applied by bringing radioactive sources near the area to be irradiated.
The most frequent area of use for brachytherapy is gynecological cancers. For uterus cancers (endometrium), cervical cancers and vagina cancers brachytherapy is applied after the operation, and in case of patients not fit for the operation, it is applied as single therapy method along with external irradiation.
Especially in the recent years, this treatment applications developed from 2-dimensional methods to 3-dimensional methods. Based on data acquired from computerized tomography and MR devices, 3-dimensional brachytheraphy applications contributes to the successful treatment of gynecological cancers and provides suitable protection for the surrounding tissues (bladder, rectum, sigmoid etc). This allows the treatment to be completed with less side effects.
Skin Brachytherapy (with Leipzig applicator)
Brachytherapy is an effective treatment for early-stage squamous and basal cell skin cancers with appropriate depth and surface characteristics. Compared to surgery”especially for tumors located on the face”brachytherapy is less likely to cause cosmetic damage. Patients with early-stage facial skin cancers may be candidates for brachytherapy if approved by a plastic surgeon.
Three Dimensional Brachytherapy in Lung (bronchi) Cancers
In case of patients for whom external irradiation methods cannot be used in the radiotherapy of lung cancer, brachytheraphy can be performed through tubes to be placed inside the main airways with the assistance of pulmonology team.
In order to bring the radioactive source near the target area of the patient, certain assistant instruments such as applicators may be used. Although these applicators are mostly placed without any pain, sometimes anesthesia may be necessary.
* 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 .
For more information about our academic and training initiatives, visit Liv Hospital Academy