We have extensive experience in the use of Brachytherapy, which utilizes radioactive sources placed into or near regions of the body to be treated. Brachytherapy can be used as a treatment option in multiple cancer types, but most commonly in skin cancer, prostate cancer, cervix cancer, and breast cancer.
High-Dose-Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy
High-Dose-Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy uses a high-activity radiation source placed temporarily into the body or adjacent to the skin through special applicators.
Low-Dose-Rate (LDR) Brachytherapy
Radioactive sources are placed in the patient through special applicators where they remain for a calculated number of hours. These procedures are done in a hospital with temporary radiation precautions.
Both HDR and LDR forms of Brachytherapy deliver a radiation dose concentrated in the treatment area, with minimal dose to surrounding organs. The procedures are relatively well-tolerated and usually are done without overnight hospitalization. Surgical incisions are not required.
Benefits
- Extremely precise radiation therapy
- Used alone, as a portion of primary treatment, or after surgery to help prevent recurrence of cancer
- Convenient treatments
- Relatively pain-free
