Dr. Pedro Batista Fernandes, a hospital assistant doctor at the brachytherapy service of IPO – Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto Francisco Gentil, in Portugal, shares his expert insights on the transformative benefits of brachytherapy in treating prostate cancer. His testimonial highlights the unique advantages of this advanced treatment method compared to traditional external radiotherapy.

Understanding Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy, also known as internal or interventional radiotherapy, is a type of radiation treatment that differs significantly from external radiotherapy. While external radiotherapy involves radiation emitted by a machine, brachytherapy requires the placement of radiation sources inside the patient, directly at the tumor site. This approach allows for precise targeting of the tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

The Treatment Process

In brachytherapy, tubes are applied inside the patient under general anesthesia to deliver radiation directly to the tumor. This method ensures that the radiation is concentrated exclusively at the tumor site, allowing for more precise treatment. As Dr. Fernandes explains, “Brachytherapy allows for greater, more precise treatment, and the healthy tissues are not so irradiated and not so damaged as they are with external radiotherapy.”

Applications in Prostate Cancer

Brachytherapy is particularly effective in treating prostate cancer. It can be used as a standalone treatment for early-stage tumors, in combination with external radiotherapy for more advanced cases, or as a salvage treatment for recurrent prostate cancer. This versatility makes brachytherapy a valuable option for various stages and conditions of prostate cancer.

Benefits of Brachytherapy

One of the primary benefits of brachytherapy is its ability to treat the prostate while preserving the organ. Unlike surgery, which involves removing the prostate, brachytherapy allows for the treatment of the tumor without the need for organ removal. This preservation of the prostate reduces the risk of side effects such as urinary and intestinal complications, which are common with other treatments.

Combining Techniques for Better Outcomes

Studies have shown that combining external radiotherapy with brachytherapy yields superior results compared to using a single technique. In 86% of patients, the combination of these two methods has been found to be more beneficial, offering better global survival rates and minimizing treatment time. Brachytherapy treatments are quick and do not require prolonged hospitalization, often allowing patients to leave the hospital on the same day.

Importance of Patient Education

Dr. Fernandes emphasizes the importance of patient education and informed decision-making. He advises patients to discuss all available treatment options with their doctors, including brachytherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy. Understanding the benefits and potential outcomes of each treatment allows patients to make informed decisions about their care. “It’s important that the patient knows what brachytherapy is. It’s important that the patient knows what surgery is. It’s important that the patient knows what chemotherapy is,” says Dr. Fernandes.

Conclusion

Dr. Pedro Batista Fernandes’s testimonial underscores the fundamental importance of brachytherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer. This advanced treatment method offers precise targeting of tumors, preservation of the prostate, and reduced side effects, making it a highly effective option for prostate cancer patients. As Dr. Fernandes highlights, “With the brachytherapy treatment, the clinical result is good, it’s very good. We have very consistent results in the studies that have been done to date.”