Brachytherapy (from the Greek brachy, meaning "short"), also known as sealed source radiotherapy or endocurietherapy, is a form of radiotherapy where a radioactive source is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment. Brachytherapy is commonly used to treat localized prostate cancer, cervical cancer and cancers of the head and neck. Brachytherapy to prevent restenosis after stenting associated with coronary angioplasty has been proven ...
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Brachytherapy (from the Greek brachy, meaning "short"), also known as sealed source radiotherapy or endocurietherapy, is a form of radiotherapy where a radioactive source is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment. Brachytherapy is commonly used to treat localized prostate cancer, cervical cancer and cancers of the head and neck. Brachytherapy to prevent restenosis after stenting associated with coronary angioplasty has been proven safe and effective in clinicals trials, such as the START and START 40/20 Trials.
Brachytherapy exists in numerous forms:
Brachytherapy can be applied using different dosings.
Low dose rate (LDR) involves implanting radioactive material temporarily or permanently. It is commonly used for cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx and sarcoma, as well as prostate cancer.
High dose rate uses a dose of 20 cGy per minute or above (ICRU 38). A high dose rate source (often iridium-192, Ir-192) is the material used. HDR is an alternative to LDR in...
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