Nuclear Oncology

Posts Tagged ‘Brachytherapy’

Permanent Brachytherapy

In permanent brachytherapy, also called seed implantation, needles that were previously filled with radioactive seeds are inserted into the tumor. Then, the needle or device is removed and the radioactive seeds are left. You can also implant the seeds using a device that inserts them individually at regular intervals. You may also use X-rays, ultrasound or CT scans to help the doctor position the seeds. Possibly other imaging tests performed after implantation to verify the placement of the seeds.

Temporary Brachytherapy

In temporary brachytherapy, the tumor is placed inside a delivery device, such as a catheter, needle, or applicator, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, MRI or CT scan to help position the radiation sources. Can be inserted into a body cavity like the vagina or uterus delivery device (intracavitary brachytherapy) or can be inserted into the tissues of the body applicator (usually needles or catheters) (interstitial brachytherapy).

The treatments can be administered in a high dose rate (HDR) or low dose rate (LDR). Treatments can also be administered in periodic pulses (dose rate in beats or PDR). Read the rest of this entry »

Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy used to treat cancer. Radiation therapy uses a type of energy called ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

Unlike external beam therapy (EBT) in which beams of high energy X-rays generated by a machine are directed at the tumor from outside the body, brachytherapy involves placing radioactive material directly into or near the tumor.

Brachytherapy, also called internal radiation therapy allows the physician to use a higher total dose to treat a smaller area in less time than is possible with external radiation treatment.

Brachytherapy is used to treat cancers throughout the body, including to:

* Prostate
* Cervix
* Head and neck
* Skin
* Breast – see page “Breast Cancer”
* Gallbladder
* Uterus
* Vagina
* Lung
* Straight
* Eye Read the rest of this entry »