Brachytheraphy

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is also known as internal radiation. It involves placing radioactive material inside applicators which are inserted into a tumor itself or into it's surrounding tissue. As the radiation sources are placed closed to the tumor cells, a large dose of radiation can be delivered. At NMRC, high-dose-rate remote after loading machine (Nucletron) is used for this purpose. Following this imaging CT scan is done and the scan is transferred to the Radiotherapy planning system .

A specific plan is selected and transferred to HDR machine after the detailed study. Empty applicators are then connected to the radiotherapy source machine, which automatically moves the Ir-192 radioactive source inside and outside the applicator at predetermined intervals and dwell position.

During the entire treatment, the radioactive source does not come in direct contact with the patient's body or the organs. Subsequently, the applicators are removed and the patient is discharged. NMRC is one of the few hospitals using CT Scan based planning (3D planning brachytherapy).

Brachytherapy is useful mainly for treatment of cancers of Breast, gynecological sites, Head & Neck region, GI region. Fully equipped dedicated operation theatre has been constructed for brachytherapy procedures.