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, sparing surrounding healthy tissue. It is used to treat various types of cancers, including prostate, cervical, uterine, and vaginal cancers.

What research shows

Studies suggest that brachytherapy is effective in controlling local tumour growth and improving survival rates in patients with certain types of cancer, particularly prostate and cervical cancer. For example, one study found that brachytherapy improved local control rates in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer. However, more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of brachytherapy in different patient populations.

Current status

Brachytherapy is a established treatment option for certain types of cancer, but its use is limited by the availability of skilled healthcare professionals and specialized equipment. More research is needed to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of brachytherapy worldwide.

Key studies

• PMID 41785895

  This study assessed the global demand and supply of brachytherapy resources and found that access to brachytherapy remains poorly characterised worldwide.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 40472997

  This narrative review discussed the use of salvage brachytherapy for local recurrence of cancer after definitive irradiation and highlighted the increasing phenomenon of cancer re-irradiation.

  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 tissues.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 40357742

  This narrative review discussed the role of antimicrobial prophylaxis in brachytherapy and highlighted the importance of proper antimicrobial prophylaxis to reduce 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 that a positive COVID-19 test delayed treatment initiation and completion.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 38307787

  This systematic review assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of brachytherapy in patients with gynecologic and prostate cancers and found that the pandemic led to treatment delays and increased mortality.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 35791775

  This study examined the long-term oncological outcomes and urological morbidity of low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy and found that it was effective in controlling local tumour growth and improving survival rates.

  PubMed ↗