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- Title
Brachytherapy indications in various cancers.
- Authors
Ivașc, Veronel; Vasile, Raluca; Iancu, Florian
- Abstract
Brachytherapy (or “internal radiotherapy”) is another form of radiotherapy and represents an advanced treatment for oncological diseases, which involves the placement of seeds or radioactive sources inside or near the tumour, sources that administer a high dose of radiation in tumour's volume and at the same time reduce radiation exposure of healthy tissues. Brachytherapy can be used in several types of cancer, such as: gynaecological cancers, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, anal tumours, rectal cancer, sarcomas, ENT cancers. LDR brachytherapy (low radiation dose) is usually used for oral cancers, oropharynx and prostate cancer. Permanent brachytherapy involves the placement of small LDR seeds (about the size of a grain of rice) inside the tumour or in the treatment area, leaving them permanently there to slowly decompose. MDR brachytherapy (moderate radiation dose) is characterized by an average rate of delivery, ranging from 2 to 12 Gy, for lungs or breasts. HDR brachytherapy (high radiation dose) is the latest innovation and allows administration of high doses during 2-4 treatment sessions. Possible side effects of brachytherapy: The acute side effects associated with brachytherapy include local ecchymosis, swelling, bleeding, fatigue or discomfort within the implanted region. These usually resolve within a few days of treatment. The safety of the brachytherapy treatment: However, as a precaution, some of the people receiving permanent brachytherapy may be advised that, for a short period of time after treatment, they should not stay close to young children or pregnant women.
- Subjects
RADIOISOTOPE brachytherapy; CANCER treatment
- Publication
Oncolog-Hematolog, 2017, Issue 39, p58
- ISSN
2066-8716
- Publication type
Article