Should we learn about Brachytherapy, a treatment that destroys cancer cells?

When your doctor tells you or someone you know has cancer, you probably talk about radiation therapy, right? Many people think of radiation therapy as just a big machine that shoots radiation at the body. That's just one method. However, there is a special method that goes right to the cancer tumor and sometimes puts a radioactive substance inside it. It's like going to attack the enemy right where he is. Today we're talking about Brachytherapy, a treatment that many people haven't heard of, but is a very effective treatment.

What is Brachytherapy in simple terms?

Simply put, Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy . It involves placing tiny seeds, pellets, or capsules containing radioactive material inside or very close to a tumor. These implants release radiation for a short period of time, killing the cancer cells.

Imagine that there is only one spot of dirt in a room. How effective would it be if you could just go to the spot where the dirt is and spray it instead of spraying the entire room? That's how this treatment works. Because the radiation is aimed at the cancer, it can deliver a powerful dose of radiation that is enough to kill the cancer cells. Also, the damage to healthy cells around the cancer is minimal .

Sometimes you may have brachytherapy alone. Or, it may be combined with other cancer treatments, such as external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) or surgery. This will be decided by your doctor, depending on the type of cancer you have.

What are the main types of this treatment?

These radioactive materials (implants) that are placed in the body during brachytherapy treatment can be divided into two main types. That is, those that are placed temporarily and then removed, and those that are permanently in the body. Let's see what these are.

What types of cancers are treated with brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy is most effective for localized cancers that have not spread to other parts of the body . This means that the cancer is in the same place where it started. Here are some of the most common types of cancer for which this treatment is used:

• Prostate cancer
• Gynecological cancers - for example, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, or vaginal cancer
• Breast cancer
• Eye cancer
• Head and neck cancers

How should I prepare before this treatment?

Before you undergo this treatment, your doctor will examine you thoroughly. He will discuss your complete medical history. He will also order blood tests and imaging procedures, such as a CT scan, to plan your treatment.

In addition, your doctor will give you some special instructions to follow a few days before your treatment. Some of these include:

• Some medications that affect blood clotting, for example anticoagulants or painkillers (NSAIDs), may be temporarily discontinued.
• You may be asked to use an enema to cleanse your intestines before treatment.
• You will be asked to fast for several hours before the treatment.
• If you use tobacco products, you will be advised to stop.

What actually happens during treatment?

The treatment method will vary depending on the type of cancer you have, its location, and the type of brachytherapy you receive (LDR, HDR, or permanent). It is also divided into two main methods based on where the radioactive material is placed:

1. Interstitial Brachytherapy: This is where radioactive materials are placed directly into the tumor. This method is used to treat prostate cancer, some gynecological cancers, and soft tissue cancers (sarcomas).

2. Intracavity Brachytherapy: This involves placing radioactive material inside a body cavity very close to the tumor. This method is often used for gynecological cancers such as the cervix and uterus.

Before the treatment begins, you will be given anesthesia to numb your pain. Once you are comfortable, the radiation oncologist will follow these steps:

• Insertion of a catheter or applicator: A thin tube (catheter) or special device (applicator) is inserted into the body to deliver the radioactive material to the tumor. Imaging techniques, such as scans, are used to see if this is the case.
• Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy is then delivered through the tube into or near the tumor. The radiation emitted by these begins to destroy the cancer cells.
• Radioactive material removal (temporary methods only): If you are having high-dose radiation therapy (HDR), the material is removed after one session. In low-dose radiation therapy (LDR), it is removed after a few days.

At the end of the treatment, you will be given painkillers to control any discomfort that may occur when the tube is removed.

What happens after treatment and how long does it take to recover?

After the treatment is over, you will be taken to a recovery room, where medical staff will monitor your condition and help you manage any pain you may be experiencing.

In most cases, you will be able to go home the same day as your treatment. However, if you have had anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you home. In some cases, especially if your treatment sessions last several days, you may need to stay in the hospital.

Compared to other cancer treatments, especially major surgery, the recovery time after brachytherapy is relatively short . Depending on the type of treatment, you may be back to normal in a few days or a week. However, it is important to avoid strenuous activities and get plenty of rest for a few days after treatment. Ask your doctor about the best time to resume your normal activities.

Are there any side effects and risks?

As with any medical treatment, brachytherapy can cause some side effects. However, what these side effects are will depend largely on the type of cancer you have and the type of brachytherapy you receive.

Most side effects gradually improve as the radiation wears off, but some may persist for a long time, and some may appear some time after treatment has ended.

Is it safe to socialize with others after treatment?

This is a question that many people have. "Since I have something radioactive in my body, will I harm my family and young children?"

The answer to this depends on the type of brachytherapy you received.

• If you have had temporary brachytherapy: After the radioactive material is removed from your body, there will be no radiation left in your body. So you can be around other people, including pregnant women and young children, without any fear. There is no risk.

• If you have had permanent brachytherapy: Since the radioactive seeds are permanently implanted in your body, you may be exposed to very small amounts of radiation for several weeks or months. The risk to others is very low because the radiation does not travel very far outside the body. However, as a precaution, your doctor may advise you to limit close contact (e.g., hugging) with pregnant women and young children for a while. Follow these instructions carefully.

What time should I see the doctor?

You will usually have follow-up appointments after treatment. However, instead of waiting for those days, call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, or diarrhea
• If you have a condition where you cannot control your urine or stool

Brachytherapy is a highly effective, targeted treatment for destroying cancer cells. It has many benefits because it minimizes damage to healthy cells. If you or a loved one has been prescribed this treatment, talk to your doctor about it and ask any questions you may have.