Brachytherapy

What it is

Brachytherapy is a type of cancer treatment where small radioactive sources are placed inside or near a tumour to deliver high doses of radiation directly to the cancer cells, reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. It is used to treat various types of cancers, including prostate, cervical, and uterine cancers.

What research shows

Studies suggest that brachytherapy can be effective in treating local recurrences of cancer after definitive irradiation, with some studies showing improved local control and survival rates. However, the availability of brachytherapy resources remains a concern, with inequities in access to this treatment worldwide. More research is needed to assess the impact of brachytherapy on cancer patient outcomes.

Current status

Brachytherapy is a valuable treatment option for certain types of cancers, particularly those that are locally advanced or recurrent. However, its use is limited by the availability of resources and expertise, and more research is needed to fully understand its benefits and limitations.

Key studies

• PMID 41785895

  This study assessed the global demand and supply of brachytherapy resources and found inequities in access to this treatment worldwide.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 40472997

  This narrative review discussed the use of salvage brachytherapy for local recurrence of cancer after definitive irradiation and found improved local control and survival rates in some studies.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 40466819

  This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of tissue spacers on radiation dose reduction to organs at risk in brachytherapy and found that tissue spacers can reduce radiation doses to surrounding healthy tissue.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 40357742

  This narrative review discussed the role of antimicrobial prophylaxis in brachytherapy and found that proper antimicrobial prophylaxis is critical for reducing the risk of infection during interventional procedures.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 38395662

  This study evaluated the impact of a positive COVID-19 test on timeliness of radiation in patients receiving brachytherapy and found delays in initiating and completing brachytherapy due to COVID-19.

  PubMed ↗