Technology Snapshot
About Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is a method used to increase local control of the disorder by increasing the radiation applied to the tumor before and after external radiotherapy. In some cases, it can be used as a treatment on its own.
In brachytherapy, radioactive sources are placed in the tumor as a unique method to target tissues. This limits the dose of radiation
Techniques used in radiation oncology:
- IGRT: image guided radiation therapy
- IMRT: intensity modulated radiation therapy
- Conformal radiotherapy: 3D conformal radiotherapy
- SRT/SRS: stereotactic radiotherapy/stereotactic radiosurgery
Radiotherapy applications
Radiotherapy can be classified into two types, depending on the state of the disease:
1. Curative radiotherapy
Curative radiotherapy is used in cases where the disease can be completely treated. It can be used alone or with surgery and/or chemotherapy.
2. Palliative radiotherapy
Palliative radiotherapy is used in cases where it is impossible to completely destroy the tumor. The goal is to prevent and relieve suffering and to improve quality of life for people facing a serious, complex illness. For example, bone pain can be reduced by radiotherapy, and radiotherapy can be used on hemorrhagic tumors to bring blood loss under control. This type of radiotherapy uses a lower dose than curative radiotherapy. The treatment duration is also shorter.