Brachytherapy: A Targeted Approach to Defeating Cancer
Brachytherapy is a highly specialized form of radiation therapy that brings the treatment directly to the tumor rather than sending radiation from an external machine. The term comes from the Greek word brachys, meaning “short distance,” and that is exactly how the therapy works—delivering radiation from inside the body, at a location extremely close to cancer cells. This targeted technique helps destroy malignant tissues while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy structures.
Unlike external beam radiation therapy, which passes radiation through the skin and deeper tissues, brachytherapy relies on radioactive sources placed within or next to the tumor. This internal approach allows clinicians to administer high doses of radiation in a controlled and localized manner. The precision not only improves treatment effectiveness but often reduces the side effects typically associated with radiation therapies.
There are two major forms of brachytherapy: temporary and permanent. Temporary brachytherapy uses a catheter or applicator to place radioactive material at the tumor site for a defined period. The material is removed once the prescribed dose has been delivered. Permanent brachytherapy, often called “seed implantation,” involves placing tiny radioactive seeds inside the tissue. These seeds emit radiation over weeks or months and eventually become inactive, remaining in the body without causing harm.
Brachytherapy is commonly used for treating prostate, cervical, breast, and skin cancers, but its applications continue to expand. For prostate cancer, brachytherapy seeds are implanted directly into the gland to deliver continuous low-dose radiation. This method has become a preferred option for many patients because it preserves healthy tissues and offers faster recovery times. In cervical cancer, brachytherapy plays a vital role in combination with external radiation, delivering a high dose exactly where it is needed while protecting nearby organs such as the bladder and rectum.
One of the greatest advantages of brachytherapy is its precise control over radiation exposure. As the radioactive source is placed so close to the tumor, the dose drops off rapidly as it moves away from the target area. This enables high-intensity treatment without the risk of excessive exposure to healthy tissues. Patients usually experience fewer complications, reduced treatment times, and quicker return to normal day-to-day activities.
Another key benefit is personalization. Brachytherapy allows clinicians to tailor the treatment plan to the patient’s individual tumor size, location, and medical condition. Imaging technologies such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI often guide the placement of radioactive sources, ensuring accuracy and improving treatment outcomes.
While brachytherapy is highly effective, it requires careful planning and skilled execution. Specialized oncologists, physicists, and radiologists work as a team to design the most appropriate treatment approach. Patients may feel nervous at first, but the procedure is generally safe, with discomfort being minimal and short-lived.