Brachytherapy is a precise form of radiation therapy used to treat cancers such as breast, cervical, prostate, and skin cancers. It involves placing radioactive materials inside or near the tumor through needles or applicators and delivering targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. This minimally invasive and usually painless approach reduces side effects and can be used alone or with other treatments like surgery or external radiation. Tailored to each patient, brachytherapy offers effective care for both curative and palliative purposes. 

Breast Cancer 

Brachytherapy is becoming a popular treatment option for breast cancer patients and plays a key role in the treatment of early-stage breast cancer.  

It is typically used as part of breast-conserving therapy, specifically through a technique called accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). APBI delivers radiation to the area where the tumor was removed, using high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy for precise and localized treatment. This approach reduces the duration of therapy while effectively lowering the risk of recurrence. 

In other cases, HDR brachytherapy may follow whole breast irradiation (WBI), where external beam radiotherapy treats the entire breast. In this scenario, brachytherapy delivers an additional targeted dose of radiation, focusing solely on the area where the tumor was located. ⁽¹⁾ 

You can explore our dedicated Breast Cancer Care page—a valuable resource for both patients and healthcare professionals. 

Cervical Cancer 

Cervical cancer is among the gynecological cancers most effectively treated with brachytherapy. When paired with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy provides a powerful boost of targeted radiation to the tumor, significantly enhancing treatment outcomes. 

• Intracavity brachytherapy is commonly utilized, involving the placement of applicators within the cervix to deliver radiation directly to the cancerous tissues while minimizing exposure to nearby organs such as the bladder and rectum.  

• Interstitial brachytherapy for more advanced or complex cases, uses needles or catheters to precisely target tumors that have extended beyond the cervix, ensuring comprehensive and focused treatment. 

Our Cervical Cancer page will provide you with further insights on brachytherapy treatment. You can also explore our patients’ story page, where individuals like Heidi share their treatment journeys and experiences with recovery.   

Prostate Cancer 

Prostate cancer is frequently treated with brachytherapy, particularly for patients with localized, early-stage disease. Low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy involves implanting tiny radioactive seeds into the prostate that release radiation over several weeks. Alternatively, HDR brachytherapy is used for temporary, highly targeted treatments. Both options have demonstrated high success rates while minimizing long-term side effects. 

If you’re considering brachytherapy for prostate cancer, check here for additional information on the treatment and its benefits. 

Skin Cancer 

Brachytherapy is a proven and highly effective approach for managing certain non-melanoma skin cancers, particularly those that are smaller or superficial. 

Two methods are currently available for skin cancer. 

• Superficial brachytherapy, also called contact brachytherapy, uses surface applicators, or “molds”, to deliver radiation precisely to the affected area. This technique is especially useful for treating cancers in sensitive or visible areas, such as the face, as it prioritizes precision and aesthetic outcomes.  

• Interstitial brachytherapy, on the other hand, involves the insertion of plastic tubes or rigid needles into tissue near the cancer site, enabling internal radiation delivery. This approach is effective for more invasive or deeper lesions. 

Skin brachytherapy minimizes radiation exposure to healthy tissue, ensuring better functional and cosmetic outcomes, particularly for cancers in delicate areas. Additionally, most treatments are outpatient, cost-effective, and have a low complication rate.⁽²⁾ 

The Advantages of Brachytherapy 

Brachytherapy provides several advantages, making it a highly effective treatment option for certain cancers: 

Precision: Radiation is delivered directly to the tumor, minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. This makes it particularly valuable for cancers near sensitive structures like the bladder or rectum. 

Fewer Side Effects: Its localized approach reduces radiation exposure to non-affected areas, significantly lowering the risk of unwanted side effects. 

Convenience: Treatments are typically conducted on an outpatient basis and often require fewer sessions compared to traditional methods, enhancing accessibility for patients. 

High Efficacy: Brachytherapy has a proven track record in effectively managing localized cancers, and improving survival rates while preserving functional and cosmetic outcomes. 

Brachytherapy continues to transform cancer care, offering targeted treatment with fewer side effects and shorter recovery times. By addressing cancers such as breast, cervical, prostate, skin, rectal, and even head and neck cancer, it demonstrates its versatility and life-saving potential. With its precision and adaptability, brachytherapy remains at the forefront of modern oncology, empowering patients and healthcare professionals to achieve better outcomes. 

References: 

1. ESTRO-ACROP guideline: Interstitial multi-catheter breast brachytherapy as Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation alone or as boost – GEC-ESTRO Breast Cancer Working Group practical recommendations – Radiotherapy and Oncology 

2. Brachytherapy in the treatment of skin cancer: an overview – PMC