Understanding Brachytherapy And How It Treats Cancers

Medically reviewed by Dr Johann Tang, Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist

Brachytherapy is a form of cancer radiation treatment where seeds, or a radioactive source is introduced into the tumor via a catheter tube. The aim of Brachytherapy is for the inserted radiation to damage and kill the cancer cells while minimising damage to the healthy body tissue.

How does Brachytherapy work? 

During the procedure, a Radiation Oncologist will use a catheter to insert the sealed radioactive source directly or very close to the tumour. Relying on highly accurate CT scans and ultrasounds, Radiation Oncologists are able to deliver the radioactive material precisely to the required areas. The radiation from the inserted material works by damaging the DNA of the adjacent cancer cells, stopping cell division, and eventually reducing the size of the tumour. Because of the high drop off rate, there is very little radiation damage to the surrounding tissue. This is the main advantage of brachytherapy.

There are two main kinds of Brachytherapy in Singapore. High-dose rate and low-dose rate Brachytherapy. As the name suggests, high-dose rate Brachytherapy involves more concentrated bursts of radiation over a shorter time and the entire procedure is over quickly. 

Low-dose rate Brachytherapy might take anywhere from several hours to a few days, with the seeds sometimes slowly releasing their radiation over a period of a few months.

In Singapore, high dose rate is generally preferred over low dose rate brachytherapy as it is able to treat a wider range of tumors over a shorter period of time compared to low dose rate brachytherapy.

What kind of cancers can Brachytherapy treat?

Brachytherapy is best used for gynelogical cancers such as cervix or endometrium cancers, prostate and breast cancer It has been shown to be as effective as conventional radiation therapies or surgical options. It is also commonly used in conjunction with other radiation treatments for best results.

Benefits of Brachytherapy

The main benefit over other forms of radiation therapy is that brachytherapy can deliver a higher radiation dose to the tumor without much damage to the surrounding normal tissues, hence a lower side effect as compared to other forms of radiation therapies.

Because a radioactive implant is used and the radiation source is delivered through a catheter directly into the tumor, a higher radiation dose can be effectively delivered to a smaller area than conventional radiation treatments delivered externally. This improves the efficacy of destroying cancer cells while reducing damage to normal, healthy cells.

Brachytherapy is also minimally invasive as compared to other surgical options to remove cancerous tumours. In some cases, it can even be an outpatient treatment, meaning a hospital stay isn’t necessary. Treatment times are generally short, and recovery time is quick. Patients might be able to return to their daily activities within a few days of treatment. 

There are also minimal side-effects from Brachytherapy due to the highly targeted and precise nature of the treatment. Fewer visits to the hospital, or a clinic are required, and patients are able to resume their normal everyday lives much faster.

Potential risks and side-effects

Side-effects of Brachytherapy include pain and soreness at the site where the radiation was delivered. Brachytherapy used for cancers such as prostate and cervical cancer treatment can lead to short-term urinary or bowel issues.

Brachytherapy is a highly advanced and precise form of internal radiation therapy that has positive outcomes for patients. It is generally safe, targeted to reduce side-effects, minimally invasive, and has a shorter treatment and recovery time. It is also routinely used in combination with other treatment methods to get the best results.

Interested to learn more about the different types of radiation treatments or have a question for our team? Contact us today for more information.