Brachytherapy in Lucknow | Advanced Internal Radiotherapy

Brachytherapy is a highly effective form of radiation therapy where a small radiation source is placed inside the tumour or very close to it.

This allows doctors to give high doses of radiation directly to the cancer, while protecting healthy tissues around it.

What Is Brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy is also called internal radiotherapy.

Unlike external beams used in IMRT/VMAT, brachytherapy delivers radiation from inside the body using:

Tiny radioactive sources
Special applicators
Precisely guided placement

In simple words:

Brachytherapy treats cancer from the inside, giving a powerful dose exactly where it is needed.

Because radiation is highly focused, healthy organs nearby receive very little exposure.

⭐ Why Brachytherapy Is Needed

Brachytherapy is especially important when very high precision and maximum tumour kill are needed.

1. Delivers High-Dose Radiation Directly to Tumour

Since the source is placed inside or next to the tumour, the dose is very powerful and effective.

2. Minimizes Damage to Healthy Tissues

Surrounding organs like bladder, rectum, bowel, and skin receive much lower radiation.

3. Useful for Tumours in Sensitive Areas

Brachytherapy is ideal for cancers where external radiation alone may not be enough.

4. Allows Shorter Treatment Time

Many brachytherapy treatments are completed in 1–3 sessions.

5. Improves Cure Rates

For certain cancers—especially cervical cancer—brachytherapy is essential to achieve the best outcomes.

6. Can Be Used When Surgery Is Not Possible

Especially for patients who cannot undergo major surgery.

⭐ Which Cancers Are Treated with Brachytherapy?

✔ Cervical Cancer

Standard of care; essential part of curative treatment.

✔ Endometrial / Uterine Cancer

✔ Prostate Cancer

(Seed implant or HDR brachytherapy)

✔ Breast Cancer

Partial breast irradiation (selected cases)

✔ Oral Cavity / Tongue Cancer

Small & early-stage lesions.

✔ Esophageal Cancer

✔ Lung and Bronchial Tumours (internal stenting + brachytherapy in selected cases)

✔ Soft-Tissue Cancers in Critical Locations

Where external radiation cannot reach safely.

Types of Brachytherapy Provided at I D Cancer Centre

1. HDR Brachytherapy (High Dose Rate)

Most advanced and widely used technique.

Delivers high-dose radiation in short sessions (minutes).

2. Intracavitary Brachytherapy

Radiation placed inside body cavities such as cervix, uterus, vagina.

3. Interstitial Brachytherapy

Radiation sources inserted directly into tissues

(for prostate, breast, tongue, soft-tissue tumours).

4. Surface / Contact Brachytherapy

Used for skin cancers or superficial tumours.

Benefits of Brachytherapy

✔ Maximum Tumour Kill

High dose directly to tumour.

✔ Fewer Side Effects

Minimal impact on nearby organs.

✔ Very Short Treatment Duration

Minutes per session; often completed in multiple sittings.

✔ Outpatient or Short-Stay Procedure

No long hospitalization.

✔ Complements IMRT/VMAT

Provides dose boost where external radiation cannot reach well.

✔ Organ Preservation

Helps avoid major surgery like hysterectomy or prostate removal.

How Brachytherapy Is Given at I D Cancer Centre

1. Evaluation & Planning

Patient assessment, imaging review, pre-procedure preparation.

2. Applicator / Catheter Placement

Done under local or general anaesthesia depending on the site.

3. CT / MRI-Based Planning

Ensures exact targeting and correct dose distribution.

4. Radiation Delivery (HDR Machine)

Radiation delivered in short bursts through robotic-controlled sources.

5. Applicator Removal

Removed safely after each session.

6. Follow-Up Care

Regular review, symptom support, and recovery guidance.

Common Side Effects of Brachytherapy

Side effects depend on where the radiation is delivered.

Possible temporary effects:

Mild pain or discomfort at the treatment site
Light vaginal discharge (cervical cases)
Urinary frequency or burning (prostate cases)
Mild bleeding or spotting
Fatigue for a few days

These are generally mild and short-lived.

Our team provides full guidance and medicines to ease recovery.

Why Choose I D Cancer Centre for Brachytherapy?

✔ Experienced SGPGIMS-Trained Radiation Oncologist

Dr. Sunil Kumar specializes in brachytherapy for cervical, prostate, breast, and oral cancers.

✔ Advanced HDR Brachytherapy Equipment

Accurate, safe, and fast radiation delivery.

✔ MRI/CT-Based Planning for Maximum Precision

Ensures optimal tumour coverage and organ protection.

✔ Dedicated Brachytherapy Team

Anesthetists, physicists, nurses, and radiation technologists.

✔ Comprehensive Cancer Care Under One Roof

Radiotherapy, brachytherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy & surgery coordination.

✔ Ethical, transparent & affordable treatment

Premium technology at patient-friendly cost.

Conclusion

Brachytherapy is a powerful, targeted cancer treatment that delivers high-dose radiation from inside the tumour. It is essential for the cure of several cancers, especially cervical cancer, and offers excellent results with fewer side effects.

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