Dr. Diana Correia, a radio-oncologist at the brachytherapy services of IPO – Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto Francisco Gentil, from Porto, in Portugal,  shares her insights on the significant benefits of brachytherapy in treating breast cancer. Her testimonial highlights the advantages of this advanced treatment method compared to traditional external radiotherapy.

Precision Targeting with Brachytherapy

One of the main advantages of brachytherapy is its ability to deliver radiation directly to the target location where treatment is needed. This precision targeting is achieved by implementing a path of entry for the radiation. In the case of breast brachytherapy, plastic tubes are implanted in the breast. This procedure is typically performed in the operating room under general anesthesia and is minimally invasive.

The Treatment Process

After the plastic tubes are implanted, patients undergo a CT scan. This scan allows for the accurate contouring of the treatment volumes and dosimetric calculations. Once this procedure is complete, patients are ready to start their brachytherapy treatments. These treatments are relatively short, lasting only 10 to 15 minutes each, and typically require between one and eight sessions in total. Patients can receive up to two treatments per day, meaning the entire treatment process can be completed in a maximum of five days.

Post-Treatment Recovery

Once the brachytherapy treatment is complete, the plastic tubes are removed. This means that patients do not have to live with any permanent implants. They can return to their normal personal and professional activities without any lasting sequelae.

Clinical Indications for Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is particularly beneficial in cases of breast cancer recurrence in the chest wall or in the early stages of breast cancer. It is often used as a form of partial breast irradiation or in conjunction with external radiotherapy to increase the dose in the tumor bed. The main benefits of brachytherapy in breast cancer treatment include significantly increasing the radiation dose in the tumor bed while reducing the dose to surrounding healthy organs such as the skin, heart, and lungs.

Additional Benefits

In addition to its clinical benefits, brachytherapy treatments are much shorter and involve fewer trips to the hospital. This not only provides convenience for the patient but also reduces costs for both the patients and the treating institution. Furthermore, brachytherapy is known for maintaining excellent aesthetic results, which enhances the physical and psychological well-being of patients.

Complementing Surgery

Brachytherapy is often performed as a complement to surgery in cases where it is not necessary to remove the entire breast. It serves as an effective weapon in completing cancer treatment with the same effectiveness as more invasive procedures, without the need to remove the diseased breast.

Long-Term Efficacy

Several studies have shown that even after long periods following brachytherapy treatments for breast cancer, patients remain cancer-free. This long-term efficacy underscores the value of brachytherapy as a reliable and effective treatment option for breast cancer patients.

Dr. Diana Correia’s testimonial provides valuable insights into the advantages of brachytherapy in breast cancer treatment. Her experience and expertise highlight the importance of this advanced treatment method in improving patient outcomes and quality of life.