What is Brachythe*rapy?
Brachythe*rapy is a targeted radiation the*rapy used primarily to treat various types of cancer. This innovative approach involves placing radioactive material directly inside or very close to the tumor, allowing for higher doses of radiation to be delivered with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue. In contrast to external radiation therapy, which directs beams of radiation from outside the body, brachythe*rapy offers a more localized treatment option.
Why Brachythe*rapy is Done
Brachythe*rapy is effective for treating a wide range of cancers, including but not limited to:
- Brain cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Eye cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Skin cancer
- Soft tissue sarcomas
- Vaginal cancer
In some cases, brachytherapy is also utilized for non-cancerous conditions, such as certain heart issues. This treatment can be administered alone or in conjunction with other therapies, such as surgery or external radiation.
What are the Different Brachythe*rapy types?
Primarily, there are two types of Brachythe*rapy:
Low Dose Rate (LDR) Brachythe*rapy
- Low Dose Brachythe*rapy also known as permanent brachythe*rapy, is a continuous treatment process where a radioactive implant is permanently inserted (either manually or through a machine) in your body and a low dose of radiation seeps out of it continuously for weeks, maybe months, depending on the intensity or growth rate of the tumor. The radioactive implant will release a particular dose of radiation and would focus on gradually shrinking or weakening the tumor.
- In this procedure, you may be asked to detain yourself in the hospital due to the presence of radiation within your body. Even though it’s not harmful, you’ll be kept in a private room with limited visitor access (no children or pregnant women).
- The insertion of the brachythe*rapy device will not be painful since in most cases anesthesia is used to reduce discomfort. In fact, the presence of the radioactive implant in your body shouldn’t cause any pain or discomfort and if it does, notify your medical team immediately.
High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachythe*rapy
- High Dose Brachythe*rapy also known as temporary brachythe*rapy, is more of a session-wise treatment procedure where radioactive implants are temporarily placed within the body and the the*rapy continues for a few minutes, up to half an hour itself. Post this, the temporary radiation tube is removed and you can return back to your normal lifestyle without any hassle.
- Since HDR Brachythe*rapy session is brief, these are recommended for outpatients only which means you don’t have to stay back in the hospital or in isolation. Your medical team may recommend up to 2 sessions of a few minutes each in a day and once the tube is removed, you are free to go. You will also not be radioactive which means you can meet people after your session.
- During the HDR procedure, the radioactive material will be inserted using a computerized machine. Your medical team will leave you alone in the room to avoid unwanted exposure but they will closely monitor you from a nearby room. You can notify them if you feel discomfort or pain, but in most cases, the patients don’t. Once the procedure is done, your medical team will come back in, remove the radiation device and you’ll be free to move about.
Risks and Side Effects
As with any medical procedure, brachythe*rapy carries risks and potential side effects. These are often localized to the area being treated and may include:
- Tenderness and swelling in the treatment area
- Discomfort during the procedure
- Potential for infection or complications at the insertion site
It is crucial to discuss possible side effects with your healthcare provider to set realistic expectations.
Preparation for Brachythe*rapy
Consultation
Before undergoing brachythe*rapy, you will typically meet with a radiation oncologist, a doctor specializing in radiation treatment. This appointment will include:
- Medical history review: Your doctor will assess your overall health and specific cancer type.
- Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be performed to help plan your treatment.
Treatment Planning
Your healthcare team will determine the best approach based on:
- The type and stage of cancer
- Your overall health
Treatment goals and preferences
For instance, there are 3 primary locations that are frequently used and they can be:
- Intracavitary Treatment– In this method, the implant is inserted inside cavities within the body, such as uterus or breasts
- Interstitial Treatment- In this method, the implant is inserted right inside the tumor mass.
- Internal Radiation Therapy- In this method, the radiation is inserted in the form of a medicine, preferably through a vein or into a body cavity.
What to Expect During Brachythe*rapy
Brachythe*rapy procedures vary depending on the cancer type and location. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Types of Brachythe*rapy
Intracavity Brachythe*rapy:
- Involves placing radioactive material inside a body cavity (e.g., vagina, windpipe).
- A device containing the radioactive material is positioned using imaging guidance.
Interstitial Brachythe*rapy:
Involves placing radioactive seeds or wires directly into body tissue (e.g., prostate, breast).
Placement is often guided by ultrasound or CT imaging to ensure accuracy.
Post-Treatment Care and Results
After brachythe*rapy, your healthcare provider will likely schedule follow-up scans or exams to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. These assessments are crucial for monitoring your recovery and determining if additional treatment is needed.
Safety After Treatment
- After temporary brachythe*rapy, you won’t emit radiation once the material is removed.
- With permanent brachythe*rapy, the radiation levels in your body will decrease over time. You will receive specific guidelines about limiting exposure to others.
FAQs
1. What are some of the Brachytherapy side effects I should be aware of?
Both LDR and HDR may come with certain side-effects. The most immediate ones that occur right after the procedure can be urinary problems including blood in the urine or frequent need to pass urine. Some later symptoms may include constipation.
2. How long will the implant stay in my body?
This solely depends on your cancer cure rate. Depending on the severity of the condition or your body’s reaction to this procedure, the implants may stay for weeks and even months. However, once the radiation oozes out of the implants, they won’t stay active anymore.
3. How would doctors know if the procedure is working or not?
4. Will I feel pain and discomfort during this procedure?
Even though the implant plantation itself can be a little painful (which is why doctors use anesthesia for this part), once the implant is inside, you shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort.
5. What is the success rate for Brachytherapy?
If used at the right time and at the right focused space, brachytherapy can eliminate up to 95% of the cancer cells. However, treatment reaction often varies from person to person which is why the exact success rate cannot be implied in all cases.