Brachytherapy, sometimes known as internal radiotherapy, is a
specific type of radiotherapy used in certain instances.
Brachytherapy means 'close' therapy, as the radiation is placed
close to the area needing treatment. Treatment is achieved by
placing a sealed source inside, or next to, an area requiring
treatment. As the radioactive source is so close to the treatment
area, it means a high dose of radiation can be delivered to a small
area. This then affects the unhealthy tumour cells while
limiting the dose to other healthy areas of the body, effectively
treating the tumour while minimising side effects.
Sometimes this type of treatment is given in isolation, or can
be used in combination with external beam radiotherapy,
chemotherapy or surgery. Each treatment is personalised for every
patient and their diagnosis with a bespoke plan to suit your
individual needs. It may require a short outpatient visit, or you
may need to attend theatre before the procedure, depending on the
type of treatment you need.
At Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, brachytherapy is
used to treat prostate, gynaecological, oesophageal, and skin
cancers.
Treatments
We offer the following brachytherapy treatments:
Brachytherapy
for skin cancer
High
dose rate prostate brachytherapy boost
High
dose rate prostate brachytherapy - monotherapy
Intrauterine
brachytherapy
Intravaginal
brachytherapy
Oesophageal
brachytherapy
The team
We have a wide team of staff who will be involved in your
brachytherapy treatment, including radiographers, nurses, doctors,
physicists and administrative staff. If your treatment requires a
surgical procedure, you will also come across theatre staff such as
anaesthetists, operating department practitioners (ODPs) and
recovery nurses.
If you are referred to the brachytherapy service for treatment,
we will contact you to answer any questions you may have and
provide you with the information you need for your treatment.
