Brachytherapy in carcinoma cervix
Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy that involves placing a radioactive source inside or very close to a tumor, allowing for a high dose of radiation to be delivered directly to the cancerous tissue while sparing surrounding healthy tissue
Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy that involves placing a radioactive source inside or very close to a tumor, allowing for a high dose of radiation to be delivered directly to the cancerous tissue while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. In the case of carcinoma cervix (cervical cancer), brachytherapy is a crucial component of treatment and is often combined with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and chemotherapy.
Types of Brachytherapy in Cervical Cancer:
- Intracavitary Brachytherapy (ICBT): Involves placing a radioactive source in the vagina or uterus, near the tumor.
- Interstitial Brachytherapy: Involves inserting small radioactive implants directly into the tumor or nearby tissue using needles.
Key Features of Brachytherapy in Cervical Cancer:
- High Precision: Brachytherapy delivers radiation directly to the tumor, minimizing exposure to surrounding organs such as the bladder and rectum.
- Fractionation: The treatment is usually delivered in several sessions (fractions), which allows for better control of the tumor while protecting healthy tissue.
- Internal Delivery: Radioactive sources are placed inside the patient, close to the tumor, either temporarily or permanently.
Treatment Process:
- Planning: Patients undergo imaging scans such as MRI or CT to guide the placement of the radioactive sources.
- Procedure: In intracavitary brachytherapy, applicators (hollow tubes) are inserted into the vagina or uterus. In interstitial brachytherapy, needles are inserted into the tumor. Radioactive sources are then placed in these applicators or needles.
- Delivery: Treatment may be delivered in different ways:
- Low-Dose Rate (LDR): Radioactive sources are left in place for hours to days, usually during a hospital stay.
- High-Dose Rate (HDR): Radioactive sources are placed for a few minutes at a time, then removed. Treatment can be done on an outpatient basis or with a short hospital stay.
Benefits of Brachytherapy in Cervical Cancer:
- Targeted Radiation: The direct placement of radioactive sources allows for precise targeting of the tumor.
- High Dose Delivery: Brachytherapy can deliver a high dose of radiation directly to the tumor, improving control rates.
- Reduced Side Effects: By sparing surrounding healthy tissue, brachytherapy can minimize side effects such as damage to the bladder or rectum.
Conclusion:
Brachytherapy is an essential component of treatment for carcinoma cervix, offering targeted, high-dose radiation delivery to the tumor. It can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes external beam radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Its precision and effectiveness make it a valuable option for managing cervical cancer.
