Brain cancer treatment with brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is a high–precision local radiotherapy method used for brain cancer. This treatment involves implanting mini capsules containing radioactive substances into the tumor for localized irradiation and destruction. The advantages of brachytherapy are a sparing effect on vital structures located close to cancer. The treatment is frequently used after brain surgery to destroy residual cancer tissues. The radiation source is located in the micro titanium capsules. One of the radioactive isotopes is placed there – radium, strontium, iodine, cesium, molybdenum, selected individually for each patient. Each isotope has its half-life. For example, iodine decays and loses activity by the 60th day. It means that during these 60 days, he will emit radiation and affect the tumor. Each of the other isotopes has a longer or shorter half-life. Therefore, their choice depends on the duration of the required irradiation. Under ultrasound, CT, or MRI guidance, radioactive seeds are delivered to the tumor. The calculation of their quantity and the dose is carried out in advance using computer technology and brain cancer type. After placing the radioisotope, an additional examination is also performed to verify the correct position of the "grains. "Patients can lead a normal lifestyle with these "grains" inside, only observed by an oncologist and neurosurgeon. Implants do not cause any discomfort and do not need to be removed.