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Brachytherapy: Where Has It Gone?

Brachytherapy has a long and storied history in the treatment of cancer. The first successful applications of radioisotopes to treat cancer were reported shortly after the discovery of radium in 1898. Over the next century and more, the evolution of brachytherapy into a valued component of the radiotherapy of many malignancies became firmly established. Notwithstanding this remarkable legacy of success, there is a disturbing trend in the United States whereby the use of brachytherapy is in rapid decline.

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 The Case for Brachytherapy: Why It Deserves a Renaissance

Brachytherapy is vital and irreplaceable for gynecologic malignancies, and results in excellent treatment and toxicity outcomes for breast and prostate malignancies. Brachytherapy is value-based and cost effective. The utilization of brachytherapy declined in the early 2000s, and has been associated with a decrease in resident brachytherapy caseload. The decline in residency brachytherapy training has been identified as a barrier to achieving brachytherapy competence and clinical independence.65 In an effort to combat the decline in brachytherapy, some resident training centers have instituted brachytherapy simulation workshops to improve resident brachytherapy training,

Articles of Interest

Brachytherapy: high precision, targeted radiotherapy

Brachytherapy combines two fundamental aims of radiotherapy: an effective tumor dose with sparing of the surrounding tissue. Brachytherapy is at the forefront of innovation in radiotherapy. Advanced computerized treatment planning and image-guided delivery systems increase efficiencies and improve outcomes and patient acceptability.

Brachytherapy: Getting rid of cancer is an inside job

Brachytherapy is a technique used in radiation therapy, whereby a radioactive source is placed within or as close to the cancerous tissue as possible. This makes it a highly precise approach, with a very small amount of damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. The resulting side effects are also accordingly low. “The challenge with brachytherapy lies in exposing the cancerous tissue to the most radiation possible.

Raising Awareness of Brachytherapy With #ThisIsBrachytherapy

Brachytherapy is a form of radiotherapy where a radioactive source is placed inside or on the surface of the body to treat cancer. While brachytherapy is indicated as part of or as definitive therapy in the treatment of many types of cancer, including prostate cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, and head and neck cancer, several studies have reported a decline in its use in the U.S. as well as worldwide.

The Good Seed: Brachytherapy, or seeding, is a way to treat cancer during a long lunch break

With brachytherapy, also called seeding or internal radiation therapy, radiation is used to eradicate tumors from the inside out instead of using external beam radiation therapy, which directs radiation from the outside in. Brachytherapy allows physicians to place radioactive material inside or near a tumor. The radioactive sources’ precise locations permit physicians to use higher doses of radiation than are safe with external beam therapy and for shorter periods of time. That causes less damage to healthy tissues surrounding the diseased area.

Resources

BrachyAcademy

The BrachyAcademy is an initiative of Elekta, and aims to advance the successful use of brachytherapy. It comprises a complete peer-to-peer medical education portfolio and includes programs such as clinical workshops and training visits to leading hospitals all over the world. It also facilitates practical on-site expertise provided by independent medical consultants at your own hospital.

American Brachytherapy Society

The mission of the ABS is to benefit patients by providing information directly to the consumer, by promoting the highest possible standards of practice of brachytherapy, and to benefit health care professionals by encouraging improved and continuing education for radiation oncologists and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of cancer.

StatPearls

It acts by placing sources containing radioactive isotopes that emit radiation for a specified distance. It can be used as monotherapy or in conjunction with other cancer management.