10 May 2019 There are several types of brachytherapy , which differ on the basis of: Placement of radiation sources in the treatment area Rate or intensity of radiation delivered to the tumour Duration of the radiation period. Appropriate software systems are required to develop dosimetry-based imaging for brachytherapy treatments. The goal is to achieve three-dimensional conformational planning that ensures optimal compliance and dose homogeneity at the target, while sparing surrounding normal tissue and organs. As a rule, brachytherapy is given as a complement to external radiotherapy , in cases selected from: Tumours of the bronchi or trachea Head and neck tumours Skin tumours Tumours of the oesophagus Breast cancer Tumours in the uterus and vagina Tumours in the rectum, anal canal and prostate Permanent implantation of radioactive seeds with real-time dosimetry is a modern technology that modifies dose delivery in the prostate, as the sources are inserted in precise places. A dynamic dosimetry study can be performed while the implant is in place. What does it entail for the patient? Low-dose brachytherapy requires General anaesthesia Two to three days in hospital. It is well tolerated and the patient can return to their normal routines in a few days . In prostate tumour brachytherapy, an ultrasound catheter is placed in the rectum under anaesthesia. The positioning and number of seeds, which measure 4.5 mm x 0.8 mm, are based on ultrasound images of the prostate. Who performs brachytherapy on prostate tumours? Therapy is performed by a team of specialists: A urologist , who performs the prostate ultrasound and inserts the needles A radiotherapist , who implants the seeds through the needles and approves the planning A physicist , who is in charge of dosimetry planning during the procedure. How long does the procedure last? Brachytherapy in prostate tumours lasts one to two hours . In these tumours, the permanent implantation of radioactive seeds with real-time dosimetry has identical long-term results (15 years) to those of radical prostatectomy (removal of the prostate). This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
