Brachytherapy: targeted strike on the tumor with minimal stress on the body
Brachytherapy (from the Greek brachys — "short, close") is a high-tech method of contact radiation therapy. Its main feature is that the radiation source is placed directly inside the affected organ or right next to the tumor.
Unlike traditional (external beam) radiation therapy, in which the radiation beam must pass through healthy tissues and skin, brachytherapy acts extremely locally. This allows delivering the maximum, most effective dose of radiation to the neoplasm while practically leaving neighboring healthy organs untouched.
How the procedure is performed: types of brachytherapy
In modern oncology, two main delivery formats are used. The choice depends on the disease stage, tumor localization, and the overall condition of the patient.
Low-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy (LDR)
Microscopic radioactive capsules ("seeds" measuring about 4–5 mm) are implanted into the tumor tissue using ultra-thin needles. They emit radiation gradually over several weeks or months. Over time, the capsules completely lose activity and remain in the body without causing any harm.
High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy (HDR)
Special catheters or applicators are temporarily inserted into the tumor region. A source with a high dose of radiation is supplied through them for a short period (usually 5 to 20 minutes). Upon completion of the session, the source and catheters are removed, and the patient can return to normal life.
Advantages of the method
High precision. Radiation exposure is strictly confined within the boundaries of the tumor.
Safety for healthy tissues. Minimizes the risk of damage to the intestines, bladder, blood vessels, and healthy organ cells.
Short rehabilitation period. In most cases, the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis or requires minimal hospitalization (1–2 days).
Low risk of side effects. Patients tolerate the procedure significantly easier than classical external beam radiation or chemotherapy.
Quality of life preservation. Preserves the function of the affected organ (for example, erectile function in prostate cancer or reproductive function in pelvic cancer treatment).
In which fields of oncology is it used?
Brachytherapy has proven highly effective in treating numerous types of malignant neoplasms:
Field of Medicine | Diagnosis / Localization |
Urology | Prostate cancer (especially effective in stages I–II) |
Gynecology | Cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, vaginal cancer |
Mammology | Breast cancer (as an organ-preserving stage of treatment) |
Other pathologies | Esophageal, rectal, and skin cancer, as well as head and neck tumors |
Important: Brachytherapy can be used as a standalone treatment method or in combination with surgical intervention, external beam radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Prescription of the course is conducted strictly individually by an oncologist or radiation therapist after detailed diagnostics.