Brachytherapy is a radiation treatment technique that delivers radiation to tumors by accurately placing radioactive sources under careful guidance in close proximity to the tumor (known as intracavitary brachytherapy) or within the tumor itself (known as interstitial brachytherapy). Radioactive sources may be placed within the body temporarily while they deliver a specified dose of radiation to the tumor over a prescribed time interval and are then removed. Radiation sources may also be placed within the body permanently in which case the radiation dose is delivered over time until the radioactive sources burn out their radiation and remain within the body in an inert, non-radioactive state. Brachytherapy is typically performed as cooperative procedure with joint contribution from the radiation oncologist and surgical specialist.

This technique has many advantages that allow for the optimal treatment of several cancers, either in conjunction with external beam radiation therapy or as the sole cancer treatment. Placing the radioactive sources directly into the tumor enables the doctor to deliver higher radiation doses to the target, achieves rapid dose fall-off resulting in less radiation dose to surrounding normal tissues, and accounts for the movement associated with physiologic processes such as respiration and bladder or rectal filling and emptying. A list of the cancers that are frequently treated with brachytherapy is provided below:

• Prostate Cancers
• Cervical Cancers
• Endometrial Cancers
• Sarcomas
• Brain Tumors
• Lung Cancers and Lung Metastases
• Spine Cancers
• Liver Cancers and Liver Metastases
• Eye Tumors

ROA doctors are pleased to offer both high-dose-rate (HDR) and low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy treatment. Each technique has advantages that can be utilized to provide optimal treatment for various tumors. The selection of the optimal brachytherapy device and technique is critical, as is the appropriate use of available technology and physician experience to perform the procedure properly. ROA doctors are proud to provide most advanced technology and experienced doctors with this technology in the Washington D.C. area. Your ROA physician will carefully discuss all of these considerations with you and explain why the recommended brachytherapy technique is best for you.