Dr. Célia Regina Soares, a radiation oncologist and head of the brachytherapy sector at Instituto Arnaldo Vieira de Carvalho, provides an in-depth look into the role of brachytherapy in treating cervical cancer, enhancing understanding brachytherapy. Brachytherapy, a form of internal radiotherapy, leverages the proximity of radioactive sources to tumors, providing a targeted and effective treatment option.

The Mechanism of Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources directly inside or around tumors. This strategic and precise positioning allows the treatment to deliver a high radiation dose directly to the cancerous cells while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. The main advantage of brachytherapy is its ability to rapidly decrease the radiation dose as it moves away from the source, thereby protecting sensitive structures such as the rectum, bladder, and bowel loops.

Why Brachytherapy is Crucial in Cervical Cancer Treatment

Cervical cancer treatment poses a unique challenge due to the proximity of vital structures that cannot tolerate high radiation doses. Brachytherapy allows oncologists to administer a high dose of radiation to the tumor without exceeding the tolerance levels of adjacent healthy tissues.

“The primary benefit for patients with cervical cancer is that brachytherapy significantly increases the chances of a cure,” says Dr. Soares. This treatment is particularly beneficial for patients with locally advanced tumors, which are typically not eligible for surgical intervention. Instead, these tumors are treated with a combination of external radiotherapy and brachytherapy, often supplemented with chemotherapy.

Combination Therapy: External Radiotherapy and Brachytherapy

For many cervical cancer patients, the required dose to eradicate the tumor is beyond what surrounding healthy tissues can take on. This is where the combination of external radiotherapy and brachytherapy becomes invaluable. External radiotherapy provides a broader treatment area, while brachytherapy delivers a concentrated dose directly to the tumor. This combination ensures the tumor receives a sufficient dose for a potential cure while safeguarding the surrounding organs.

Dr. Soares emphasizes, “Every time I omit brachytherapy, I reduce that patient’s chance of cure by more than 25%.” This statistic supports the critical role brachytherapy plays in improving survival rates for cervical cancer patients.

Indications for Brachytherapy in Cervical Cancer

Brachytherapy is indicated for all locally advanced cervical tumors. These tumors, not typically treated with surgery, rely heavily on radiotherapy and, in some cases, chemotherapy. Offering brachytherapy with external radiotherapy enhances the effectiveness of the treatment, providing a higher likelihood of curing the disease while minimizing the risk of complications.

Enhancing Quality of Life

In addition to increasing the chances of a cure, brachytherapy also contributes to a better quality of life for patients. By focusing the radiation dose on the tumor and sparing surrounding healthy tissues, patients experience fewer acute and late-onset side effects. This approach allows for effective tumor control while preserving the function of critical organs.

Dr. Célia Regina Soares’s insights highlight the indispensable role of brachytherapy in treating cervical cancer. By combining the precision of brachytherapy with the broader coverage of external radiotherapy, oncologists can deliver potent doses of radiation to tumors while protecting healthy tissues and organs for a better patient’s quality of life. The innovative approach maximizes the chances of a cure and ensures that patients can look forward to a future with minimal complications and a better quality of life.