Introduction

Brachytherapy is a highly targeted form of radiation therapy used to treat many types of cancer. Unlike conventional radiation, which delivers radiation from outside the body, brachytherapy places a radiation source directly inside or next to the tumour. This allows doctors to deliver very high doses of radiation to cancer cells while limiting exposure to nearby healthy tissues.

Because of its precision, brachytherapy plays a key role in modern cancer care. It is widely used either alone or in combination with external-beam radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy, depending on the type and stage of cancer.

At KIMSHEALTH, brachytherapy is delivered through a multidisciplinary oncology approach, combining advanced imaging, radiation planning, and experienced clinical teams to ensure safe, effective, and patient-centred treatment.

What Is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or particles to damage the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. Over time, these damaged cells die, and the tumour shrinks or is controlled.

There are two main types of radiation therapy, based on where the radiation comes from:

1. External-Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)

• Radiation is delivered from a machine outside the body
• Treatments are usually given over several weeks
• Surrounding tissues may receive some radiation exposure

2. Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy)

• The radiation source is placed inside the body, in or near the cancer
• Delivers radiation directly to the tumour
• Minimises radiation exposure to other organs

Brachytherapy is another name for internal radiation therapy.

What Is Brachytherapy?

In brachytherapy, a doctor places a small radiation source—such as seeds, pellets, wires, or capsules—inside the body at the site of the cancer. Because the radiation source is so close to the tumour:

• Radiation dose to cancer cells is very high
• Radiation dose to nearby normal tissues is much lower
• Treatment is often completed in a shorter time

This makes brachytherapy especially useful for cancers that are localised and have not spread far from their original site.

Types of Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is classified based on how long the radiation source stays in the body.

Low-Dose Rate (LDR) Brachytherapy

• The radiation source is placed permanently or semi-permanently
• It delivers radiation slowly over weeks to months
• Over time, the radiation naturally weakens and stops
• The source is not removed

Common use:

• Prostate cancer (radioactive “seed” implants)

High-Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy

• The radiation source is placed temporarily
• Delivers a very high dose over minutes
• The source is then removed from the body
• Treatment may be repeated over several sessions

Cancers Commonly Treated with Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is used in many cancer types, particularly when the tumour is well-defined and localised. These include:

• Prostate cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Endometrial (uterine) cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Breast cancer
• Head and neck cancers
• Skin cancers
• Lung and airway tumours (selected cases)

In some patients, brachytherapy is combined with external-beam radiation therapy to improve cancer control.

How Is Brachytherapy Planned?

Before treatment, your care team will perform a detailed evaluation, which may include:

• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Imaging studies such as CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound
• Cancer staging and risk assessment

Using these details, radiation oncologists create a customised treatment plan, carefully calculating:

• Radiation dose
• Exact placement of the radiation source
• Duration of treatment

What Happens During Brachytherapy?

Before the Procedure

• You will receive medicines to help you relax or feel numb
• In some cases, general anaesthesia is used, similar to surgery

The type of anaesthesia depends on:

• Cancer location
• Procedure complexity
• Your overall health

During the Procedure

Placement of Applicator or Tube

• The doctor inserts a thin tube or applicator into or near the cancer
• Imaging guidance ensures accurate positioning

Delivery of Radiation

• The radiation source is passed through the tube into the tumour

For LDR Brachytherapy

• The radiation source is left in place
• The tube is removed
• You usually go home the same day

For HDR Brachytherapy

• Radiation is delivered for a short, controlled period
• The source is removed after each session
• Treatment may be repeated over days or weeks
• The tube may stay in place or be reinserted each time

After Brachytherapy

• Most patients go home the same day
• Some treatments may require a short hospital stay
• You may receive specific safety instructions, especially after LDR therapy

Radiation Safety

• When a radiation source remains in your body, you may give off small amounts of radiation

You may need to:

• Avoid close contact with children or pregnant individuals for a short time
• Follow specific distance or time precautions

Your healthcare team will provide clear guidance.

Side Effects of Brachytherapy

Side effects vary depending on:

• Type of brachytherapy (HDR vs LDR)
• Radiation dose
• Area of the body treated

Common Side Effects

• Swelling or discomfort near the treatment area
• Redness or soreness where the applicator was inserted
• Mild fatigue

Site-Specific Side Effects

• Urinary symptoms (prostate treatment)
• Vaginal irritation or discharge (gynaecologic cancers)
• Bowel changes (pelvic treatments)

Most side effects are temporary and manageable. Your doctor will guide you on symptom relief and medications if needed.

Benefits of Brachytherapy

• Highly targeted treatment
• Shorter overall treatment time
• Lower radiation exposure to healthy tissues
• Effective cancer control for selected tumours
• Often performed as a day-care procedure

What Can You Do to Support Recovery?

During and after brachytherapy:

• Follow all treatment and follow-up instructions carefully
• Report any side effects or new symptoms promptly
• Eat a nutritious diet with adequate protein and calories
• Get enough rest and gentle physical activity as advised
• Keep all scheduled oncology appointments

Why Choose KIMSHEALTH for Brachytherapy?

• Advanced radiation planning and delivery systems
• Experienced radiation oncologists and oncology nurses
• Multidisciplinary cancer care model
• Evidence-based protocols aligned with international standards
• Strong focus on patient comfort, safety, and outcomes

Need Expert Guidance on Cancer Treatment?

📞 Contact the Oncology Team at KIMSHEALTH to learn whether brachytherapy is right for you or your loved one.