Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation)
Internal radiation therapy placing radioactive sources directly inside or next to the tumor.
What is Brachytherapy?
Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy where a sealed radioactive source is placed directly inside or right next to the area requiring treatment. Because the radiation source is so close to the cancer cells, a very high dose of radiation can be delivered safely while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Brachytherapy can be used as a stand-alone treatment or combined with external beam radiation therapy for comprehensive and aggressive cancer management.
Benefits of Brachytherapy
- ✓ Direct radiation delivery to the tumor site from the inside out
- ✓ Extremely rapid dose fall-off, ensuring minimal exposure to surrounding healthy tissue
- ✓ Shorter overall treatment times in many cases
- ✓ Can be combined with external beam radiation for maximum effect
- ✓ Highly effective and standard of care for cervical & endometrial cancers
How Brachytherapy Works
Thin, hollow tubes, catheters, or applicators are placed in or near the tumor under ultrasound or CT guidance. Radioactive sources (like Iridium-192) are then loaded into these applicators using a computerized remote afterloader machine. The sources deliver concentrated radiation directly to the tumor area for a specific duration (minutes for HDR) and are then completely removed.
Suitable For
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be radioactive after Brachytherapy?
With High-Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy, the radioactive source is completely removed from your body before you leave the treatment room. You are not radioactive and are perfectly safe to be around family and children.
Does placing the applicators hurt?
The placement of applicators is done under anesthesia or heavy sedation in an operating room setting. You will not feel pain during the insertion procedure.
How long does a brachytherapy session take?
While the actual radiation delivery only takes 10-20 minutes, the entire procedure including anesthesia, applicator placement, CT imaging for planning, and recovery can take a few hours.
Get Brachytherapy Treatment in Hyderabad
Consult Dr. Rahul DL for expert Brachytherapy treatment at Apollo Hospital.