Brachytherapy to Treat Cancer: A Targeted and Effective Approach

Advancements in cancer treatment are evolving daily. This is especially true inside the doors of Riverside Cancer Institute, where brachytherapy is now offered.

Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy used to treat various types of cancer, including but not limited to cervical, breast, and skin cancers. Unlike traditional external beam radiation, brachytherapy involves placing a radioactive source directly inside or very close to the tumor or target, allowing for a highly targeted treatment that minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

“The brachytherapy program at Riverside is amongst the first in the region,” said Dr. Issra Rashed, Radiation Oncologist with Riverside Cancer Institute. “We are excited to provide this new technology in combination with our exemplary expertise and existing state-of-the-art technology to ensure our communities have access to comprehensive cancer care.”

The procedure is typically performed using tiny radioactive pellets or seeds, which are inserted into the tumor through needles, catheters, or applicators. Depending on the cancer type and treatment goals, these seeds are either temporary or permanent. In some cases, the radioactive source is inserted for a few minutes or hours (high-dose rate, or HDR, brachytherapy), while in others, it is left in place permanently (low-dose rate, or LDR, brachytherapy), where the radiation naturally decays slowly over time.

One of the key advantages of brachytherapy is its precision. By delivering high doses of radiation directly to the cancer cells utilizing a radioactive source that rapidly decays with distance, that radiation is predominately limited to the immediate vicinity of the tumor or target. This is unlikely external beam radiation that can be more deeply penetrating and, therefore, can be associated with side effects to structures/organs further from the tumor/target.

This more localized treatment approach can mean less radiation exposure to more distant healthy tissues, limiting the complication rates and increasing the recovery times.

Brachytherapy implants used to be permanent implants in which patients were radioactive for a short period of time and thus needed to limit exposure to individuals. In the modern era, these permanent implants have transitioned into an even more precise temporary HDR brachytherapy implant that has been associated with an even lower toxicity profile and improved cancer control rates.

While external beam treatment has excellent cancer outcomes, the side effects of a prolonged month or so long course of treatment for an otherwise often indolent neoplasm is usually not the ideal treatment option for patients.

“Delivering the best possible care and helping patients achieve the best possible cancer treatment outcomes is my priority,” said Dr. Rashed. “That I now may be able to provide this care to more patients is something I am very excited about. I hope that we can become an even greater hub for oncologic care with the advent of brachytherapy to our program.”

While brachytherapy is a powerful and effective treatment, it may not be suitable for all patients or cancer types. Like any cancer treatment, the decision to use brachytherapy is made with your doctor and is based on a thorough evaluation of the patient’s condition and the cancer’s stage.

For more information, call (815) 933-9660 or visit myrhc.net/cancer.