What are the characteristics of Brachytherapy?
- Can be used in combination with external beam radiotherapy and chemotherapy
- Extremely localized effect. The irradiation does not affect the healthy tissues further away from the source.
- The radiation sources are placed in a protective capsule or a wire, which does not let the source move around, or get dissolved in the body fluids.
- This capsule can be removed later, or allowed to stay permanently.
- It retains its position even if the tumor moves or the patient changes the position.
- It is completed in lesser time than other RT techniques.
- Hence, it reduces the survival of cancer cells.
- This can be given on Out-patient basis, which is convenient for the patients.
- Has shown good patient compliance.
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| Brachytherapy seed implant (with Iodine-125) image courtesy-isoaid.com |
