Brachytherapy
It is radiation given with a source close to the tumor.
- Brachytherapy is given using iridium192 caesium137.
- Brachytherapy is curative radiotherapy.
- Brachytherapy is used in carcinoma of the oral cavity, penis, breast, cervix, and bladder.
- Radiation material placed in the cavity is called intracavitary radiotherapy.
- Radiation material is inserted into the tissues through interstitial radiotherapy.
- Implants can be kept permanently or temporarily.
- Radioactive material is placed into the cavity/tissue through applicators under general anesthesia.
- Intraoperative radiotherapy is also becoming popular. It has only a localised effect with adjacent tissue being spared.
Brachytherapy Advantages
- High, localized, continuous dose of radiotherapy.
- Deeper and adjacent tissues get spared
- The dose rate is high in a short time.
- Side effects are less
- It is curative and effective in early cancers.
- Surgery is avoided and part is retained.
Brachytherapy Disadvantages
- Technique is diffilt.
- Availability of facility.
- Produces local complications such as displacement/erosion.
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