Brain metastases treatment with brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is successfully used in the treatment of certain types of brain metastases. The smallest radioactive particles are used to irradiate the lesions and injected into the cancer tissue through special needles. The advantage of brachytherapy is that it kills only cancer cells without harm to the surrounding healthy tissues. Therefore, it is possible to use high doses of radiation, tens of times higher than those for external radiotherapy. The procedure is often combined with surgery. First, the surgeon removes the metastases. Then tiny radioactive "seeds" containing radioactive iodine-125 or iridium-192 are implanted in the same area. As a rule, cancer removal and placement of radioactive grains-implants are performed during the same operation. The number of grains, their distribution, and radiation dose are calculated in advance using computer technology. During the first ten days after placing the seeds, they emit 50% of the total radiation dose. Over time, they will emit radiation more slowly, and their radioactivity drops to zero after a few months. Patients may lead a normal lifestyle with these "grains" inside. Implants do not cause discomfort and do not need to be removed. Brachytherapy can be an excellent alternative to conventional radiation for some patients.