Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is a special type of radiotherapy that involves placing radiation directly inside or very close to the cancer. Unlike external radiotherapy, where a machine delivers radiation from outside the body, brachytherapy targets cancer from the inside. This allows for high doses of radiation to be delivered precisely to the tumour while minimising damage to nearby healthy tissue.

Brachytherapy is given by a machine called a high dose rate (HDR) microselectron and can be given alone or in addition to external radiotherapy to treat cancers of the cervix, and uterus (womb). Your consultant will discuss the possible treatment options with you during your consultation.

It gives a very high dose of radiation directly to the tumour and the area close by, but only a low dose to tissues and organs a few centimetres away. This reduces the risk of side effects from the treatment.

How is Brachytherapy given?

When we deliver brachytherapy at James Cook, a thin tube is placed inside the area for treatment and the machine pushes a single radioactive iridium source into this tube under computer control for a specified amount of time before being removed. This will happen over several sessions, the number of which will depend on your treatment plan.

Here’s how brachytherapy is delivered for cancer of the uterus (womb)

What will happen at the appointment?

1. A doctor or advanced clinical practitioner will carry out a gentle internal examination to ensure the correct size of applicator is used for your treatment. They will then insert the applicator into the vagina; this may feel a little uncomfortable but should not be painful.

2. Immediately after insertion of the applicator, you will have a CT scan to make sure the applicator is inserted in the correct position. This is to make sure the radiation treatment will be delivered at the correct location. Once the scan has been completed you will be transferred onto a stretcher and taken to the treatment room.

3. You will be treated by a combination of radiographers and clinical technologists. In the treatment room, the staff treating you will connect the treatment applicator to the HDR machine. The machine will feed a radioactive source into the applicator to treat the top of the vagina.

4. After the treatment the applicator will be removed, and it will be safe for you to go home and be with other people (you will not be radioactive).

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear?

It is advisable to wear loose fitting skirts or trousers when you attend for your treatment as you will be required to remove your lower garments during the treatment. You may wish to bring a dressing gown.

Can I eat and drink as normal?

Yes, as you will not require an anaesthetic for your treatment, you can eat and drink as normal prior to attending for your appointment.

Is the treatment painful?

The treatment is not painful and will take approximately ten minutes.

How long will the appointment take?

You should be in the department no longer than two hours.

What happens when the course of treatment is finished?

Once your course of radiotherapy is finished you will receive an appointment to be seen in the out-patient clinic in approximately six weeks’ time.

Why is brachytherapy important?

Brachytherapy allows for very precise treatment, giving high doses of radiation directly to the tumour while reducing the impact on healthy tissue around it. This precision often means fewer side effects compared to external beam radiotherapy. The targeted nature of brachytherapy is particularly useful for cancers in sensitive areas, like the cervix, and uterus.

After brachytherapy

After the treatment, your care team will closely monitor you and provide support to manage any symptoms.

In summary, brachytherapy is a highly effective and precise form of radiotherapy that delivers radiation from inside the body, targeting the tumour directly while sparing nearby healthy tissues. This makes it a valuable treatment option for certain cancers.