Nuclear Oncology

Brachytherapy, Variation of Radiation Dose as a Function of Tumor Aggressiveness

Brachytherapy is a way to treat prostate cancer that has two different application forms depending on the patient and carcinoma. This technique can be used exclusively or in combination with other regimes such as hormone therapy or radiotherapy. Dr. Benjamí Guix, Oncoradioterapéuta and medical director of the Foundation IMOR of Barcelona, said the different uses made of brachytherapy.

High Dose Brachytherapy
When it comes to high-dose radiation, we refer to as the amount of drug that is applied to patients with prostate cancer. The speed is higher and the time of application of the technique is less. What is done is to place a catheter, some radioactive sources in the treatment area. After making the relevant calculations of how it has to pass the radioactive source begins to supply the radiation. High-dose brachytherapy is recommended in prostate tumors in patients with intermediate or high risk, who are a little less aggressive than those at moderate risk. In these cases respond better to high dose rates by means of implants. We talked about patients who have a PSA over 10, a Gleason score of more than 7 and a palpable tumor.

Application Process
To keep the minimal side effects are usually done two implants. The first day will put the catheter and performs the first treatment session first thing in the morning. Thus, the early afternoon and can go home. After 2 weeks repeat the session. The anesthesia used is the local rate and the treatment is painless.

Low Dose Brachytherapy
Permanent brachytherapy seed implants with low radiation dose rate is reserved for cases where the PSA is less than 10, Gleason score less than 8 and the tumor is only microscopic range. The seed implant is very comfortable and with just a medical placement is achieved. The treatment is slow, as it stretches for 8 weeks in the patient’s body, and well tolerated. The results are great in patients with less aggressive tumors.

No Impact on Adjacent Organs
The radiation used in brachytherapy is short range as well as other surrounding tissues did not come to perceive. The seeds are joined together by a thread-like suture also possess a degree of flexibility. This ensures a coupling to the movements of the body itself, because if the thread was hard seeds would be produced punctures. Furthermore, these implants are designed so as not to shift the place where they were placed.