Brachytherapy (Implants)

Brachytherapy refers to the technique of implanting radioactive sources directly into a specific part of the body. These sources may be temporary or permanent. Temporary implants are removed after a certain period of time. Permanent implants are left in the tissues and the radiation decays over time. The rationale for using an implant is that it can deliver the radiation to a small area while increasingly sparing the amount of normal tissue that is irradiated. This is because the radiation does not pass through the body from the outside. Interstitial brachytherapy refers to the placement of sources into tissues, while intracavitary brachytherapy refers to the placement of sources into a cavity, such as the uterus. Brachytherapy is often used in the treatment of cancers of the cervix, endometrium, prostate, and head and neck area. It can, however, be used almost anywhere in the body when appropriate.

VRA physicians have active brachytherapy programs at all their facilities. Both Low Dose Rate (LDR) and High Dose Rate (HDR) temporary systems are used. Our most active program at this time is the interstitial prostate implant program.

With an LDR system, a short hospital stay is usually required since the radiation is delivered over a longer period of time. The HDR system allows us to perform brachytherapy on an outpatient basis. That is, there is no need to be hospitalized. Many patients find this method to be more convenient and less uncomfortable. The choice of LDR versus HDR depends on the clinical circumstances. HDR is most often used for the treatment of gynecologic malignancies, although it is used in various other sites as well. Brachytherapy can be the only form of treatment, or it can be used in conjunction with external beam radiation, surgery, or hyperthermia.

• High Dose Rate Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer
• Transperineal Prostate Seed Implants (Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy)
• Intravascular Brachytherapy