What is brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy.1 The aim of brachytherapy is to treat a tumour whilst minimising healthy-tissue-damage as much as possible.1 It involves placing a calculated amount of radioactive material into, or next to the tumour.1

What does having brachytherapy usually involve?

How brachytherapy is administered, as well as the dosage, will depend on the cancer being treated and what your doctor decides.2 Several  techniques can be used to insert the radioactive material, and different dosing regimens  are available, including;  low dose rates (LDR), low intensity pulses, or high dose rates (HDR).1,2 Your radiation oncologist will be able to explain all the details to you about your treatment and what to expect.

If you have any further questions or concerns regarding brachytherapy, please speak with your treating doctor and care team.

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Disclaimer

This website is provided for information purposes only. Nothing on this website is intended to be used as medical advice or, to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It should not be used as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.

Any medical procedure or treatment involving the use of radiation carries risks, including skin irritation and associated pain. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary.