Radiotherapy: External Beam and Brachytherapy Radiotherapy is a cancer treatment method that uses high-energy beams of radiation to kill cancer cells. This c...
Radiotherapy is a cancer treatment method that uses high-energy beams of radiation to kill cancer cells. This can be done externally, using external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), or internally, using brachytherapy.
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
EBRT uses a machine to direct high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation at the cancer site. These beams can be used to treat various types of cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer.
Types of EBRT:
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): Patients lie still on a table as the machine moves radioactive sources around the body.
Linac-based radiation therapy (LBRT): This system uses a linear accelerator to deliver radiation to the cancer site.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT): This technique uses multiple X-ray machines to target different areas of the body.
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is a cancer treatment method that uses radioactive seeds or other radioactive materials to kill cancer cells. These seeds can be implanted directly into the tumor or delivered through a catheter.
Types of Brachytherapy:
Intra-operative brachytherapy: Radioactive seeds are implanted directly during surgery to target and destroy cancer cells.
Post-operative brachytherapy: Seeds are implanted after surgery to remain in place and continue killing cancer cells.
Remote brachytherapy: Radioactive seeds are placed outside the body and are remotely activated to target and kill cancer cells.
Radiotherapy is a powerful treatment for cancer and can be used to treat various types of cancer in both adults and children. However, it can also have some side effects, such as skin irritation, fatigue, and hair loss. Brachytherapy is a less invasive treatment than EBRT, but it can also be more expensive and may not be suitable for all patients