Brachytherapy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Radiation treatment in the form of brachytherapy is one method that can be used to treat cancer. It involves placing radioactive material inside or directly next to the tumour, providing a very precise and concentrated dose of radiation to the affected area. Combining brachytherapy with other types of treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy delivered by an external beam, is possible.

There are several distinct forms of brachytherapy, including the following:

• Low-dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy: This type of Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources, such as seeds, into the body and leaving them there for some time, usually up to several days. The radioactive sources give off low doses of radiation over time. Brachytherapy is often used to treat prostate cancer and some types of cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers.
• High-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy: HDR requires the implantation of a temporary device in the body containing high levels of radioactivity for short periods (usually just minutes). The device can be either inside or outside the body and is attached to an external machine that delivers higher doses faster than LDR treatment. HDR is often used for breast cancer and certain gynecologic tumors such as cervical or endometrial cancer.
• Pulsed dose rate (PDR) brachytherapy: PDR combines elements from both LDR and HDR treatment to deliver even lower doses over a longer period than with LDR but without having an attached machine like with HDR treatment. It’s used mostly for prostate cancer but can also be useful in treating other types of cancers, such as gynecological tumors or head/neck cancers.
• Intracavitary/interstitial Brachytherapy: This type involves implanting radioactive sources directly into the affected area using needles or tubes inserted through incisions in the skin or through natural cavities like the uterus or vagina during surgery (intracavitary). Alternatively, interstitial treatment involves surgically implanting catheters into the tissue before filling them with sealed containers holding small amounts of radioactive material, which then give off low levels of radiation over time until they eventually decay away completely (interstitial).

Benefits of Brachytherapy include:

• Brachytherapy can treat localized tumors with a high radiation dose while sparing healthy surrounding tissue from unnecessary radiation exposure.
• Compared to other forms of external beam radiation, Brachytherapy has the potential for fewer side effects due to the shorter duration of treatment and exposure time.
• Brachytherapy may also be used as adjuvant therapy following surgery or external beam radiation therapy, allowing doctors to target areas more precisely while minimizing damage to healthy tissue around the tumor site.
• It can also reduce overall treatment time and cost compared to multiple external beam radiation therapy sessions, making it a more cost-effective solution for some patients.

• Cancers of the prostate, cervical, and uterine regions, as well as other kinds, are typically treated using brachytherapy.
• Through the use of brachytherapy, it is possible to administer very high doses of radiation to the tumour while limiting the amount of radiation that is absorbed by the surrounding tissues and organs.
• It is also often used in combination with other forms of treatment, such as chemotherapy and external beam radiation therapy.

The risks of Brachytherapy vary depending on the type of treatment but generally include the following:

• Radiation damage to nearby organs or tissues: While the radiation used in Brachytherapy is very targeted, it can still cause some damage to nearby organs and tissues.
• Damage to healthy cells and tissue: The radiation used in Brachytherapy can also damage healthy cells and tissue.
• Infection: Brachytherapy has the same inherent risk of infection as any other medical operation that necessitates the insertion of a foreign object into the patient's body..
• Bleeding or swelling at the site of treatment: The radiation used in Brachytherapy can cause bleeding or swelling at the site of treatment which may require additional medical attention.
• Nausea and vomiting: As a potential adverse reaction to their therapy, some patients may suffer feelings of nausea and vomiting.
• Hair loss: Hair loss may occur near the area where the radiation was delivered during brachytherapy treatment due to its effects on the skin and hair follicles.

• Before undergoing Brachytherapy, your doctor will likely run various tests to ensure you are healthy enough for the procedure.
• It often consists of a physical examination, tests on the patient's blood and urine, and imaging studies such as a CT or MRI.
• In addition to pre-procedure testing, you should also prepare for Brachytherapy by discussing with your healthcare team the type of anesthesia used during the procedure.
• Depending on the type of brachytherapy that you are getting, you can be given one of several different types of anaesthetic. Please speak to your doctor about any concerns and ask what type they plan to use during your treatment.
• Finally, ensure that someone can drive you home after the procedure and take care of you until you feel better.
• Brachytherapy can cause discomfort and fatigue, so someone must be there to help with post-procedure activities such as getting dressed or making meals.

The procedure is carried out in three steps: planning, implantation, and post-implantation follow-up care.

• Planning: During planning, doctors evaluate the tumor size and type and map out a plan for where each source should be placed.
• Implantation: During implantation, the radioactive sources are surgically inserted into or around the tumor site under image guidance.
• Post-implantation: After implantation, doctors typically perform follow-up scans every few weeks to track progress and ensure that radiation levels remain safe for patients and medical staff. Depending on their individual needs, patients may also undergo additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy.

• Before the procedure, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits.
• Your doctor will assess your medical history, examine any recent imaging studies, and review any previous treatments you have had for cancer.
• Your doctor will also perform a physical examination to check for any signs of infection or other problems that may affect the success of the treatment.
• If you are pregnant, it is important to tell your doctor before undergoing Brachytherapy to avoid potential risks to your baby.

• During Brachytherapy, radioactive material is placed inside or near the treated tumor.
• Brachytherapy can be done through several different methods, such as inserting seeds directly into the tumor, placing an applicator near it, and delivering radiation from outside your body.
• The entire procedure usually takes one to two hours and is done on an outpatient basis so you can go home afterward.
• Depending on the type of Brachytherapy being done, you may need general anesthesia during the procedure or local anesthesia to certain numb areas of your body before treatment starts.
• During the operation, your physician will keep a close eye on your vital signs and make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.

• Once Brachytherapy is finished, there are no immediate side effects. However, some people may experience fatigue following treatment due to radiation exposure and other factors, such as anxiety over their diagnosis and recovery process.
• You should speak with your healthcare team about strategies for managing these feelings if they arise during this period.
• Additionally, it’s important for patients who have had Brachytherapy not to engage in activities like swimming in public pools or hot tubs for at least two weeks afterward due to the risk of contamination from radiation exposure during treatment sessions—so make sure to plan accordingly!
• It’s also important for patients who have had this type of therapy not to get pregnant until three months after their last treatment session, as radiation exposure can cause congenital disabilities in unborn babies if taken too soon after exposure has occurred.

• The price of brachytherapy treatment might change based on the kind of treatment that is received as well as the number of treatments that are necessary.
• Generally, Brachytherapy can range from 30,000 to 90,000 Rs for a single course.
• Additional costs may include hospital fees, doctor's fees, anaesthesia costs, and any other necessary medications.

• After undergoing brachytherapy, it is essential to consume a nutritious and well-balanced diet that is rich in a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and dairy products with a reduced fat content.
• Your body will be better able to mend from the radiation therapy and have fewer negative side effects if you maintain a healthy diet. Additionally, it is essential to maintain proper hydration throughout the day by consuming a sufficient amount of water at regular intervals.
• Additionally, foods high in fiber, such as beans, nuts, and whole grains, can help with constipation, a common side effect of Brachytherapy.
• It is also best to avoid processed foods and limit your salt and sugar intake during this time.

• Yes, Brachytherapy is a safe and effective form of radiotherapy. It is an outpatient surgery that requires only a small incision and has a low potential for long-term consequences as well as few adverse effects.
• The radiation dose used in Brachytherapy is carefully calibrated to ensure that the surrounding healthy tissue receives minimal radiation exposure.
• The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) has stated that Brachytherapy can result in excellent outcomes while minimizing side effects compared to other forms of radiation therapy.

• No, Brachytherapy is not painful.
• The procedure typically involves the placement of radioactive sources into the body or near a tumor and is usually done under local anesthetic.
• The radiation can cause minor side effects, such as fatigue and skin irritation, but generally does not cause pain.

• The recovery time following Brachytherapy can vary depending on the type of treatment and other factors, such as pre-existing health conditions.
• Generally, it is expected to take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks for most people to recover. During this time, patients need to rest and follow any instructions or advice their doctor gives.

• Brachytherapy's most common side effects are skin irritation, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
• Other side effects may include temporary hair loss in the treated area, skin discoloration or reddening at the treatment site, and mild scarring.
• In rare cases, Brachytherapy can cause more serious complications, such as damage to nearby tissues or organs.
• Additionally, women may experience menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and changes in menstrual cycles after undergoing Brachytherapy for cervical cancer.

Following brachytherapy, it is essential to take care of yourself and adhere to the directions given to you by your physician. The following are some of the things you ought to do:

• Take care of the area where the Brachytherapy was done. Please keep it clean and avoid touching or rubbing it.
• Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a few days after the procedure. Follow your doctor’s instructions on when you can return to these activities.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help flush out any radiation in your body after the procedure.
• Monitor for any signs or symptoms that may indicate side effects from the radiation, such as changes in skin color or redness or swelling at the treatment site, changes in urination patterns, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, etc., and contact your doctor if you experience any concerning symptoms after brachytherapy treatment so they can be addressed promptly;
• Follow up with your doctor for regular check-ups after Brachytherapy to ensure everything is healing properly, and there are no long-term side effects from treatment; and
• If you have received radiation therapy close to an organ like your bladder, ovaries, or intestines, make sure to monitor these organs closely for any problems with their function post-brachytherapy treatment so they can be addressed promptly by a medical professional, if necessary.

Brachytherapy is an effective and safe form of radiation therapy that can be used to treat a variety of cancers. Brachytherapy has a success rate, with low rates of side effects, making it an attractive option for cancer treatment.

Brachytherapy is not for everyone, but your doctor will determine if it is the right treatment for you based on your medical history and circumstances.