Brachytherapy

Precise radiation treatment delivered close to or within the cancer.

At Melna Oncology Centre, we believe that every patient deserves cancer care guided by their individual diagnosis and treatment needs.

Brachytherapy is a specialised form of radiotherapy that delivers radiation directly inside or very close to a tumour. By placing a radiation source near the area requiring treatment, brachytherapy can deliver a concentrated dose to cancerous tissue while limiting radiation exposure to surrounding healthy structures.

Under the guidance of Dr Thandeka Buthelezi-Zulu, Specialist Radiation and Clinical Oncologist, patients receive individualised oncology assessments and treatment recommendations based on their clinical circumstances.

Brachytherapy, sometimes referred to as internal radiation therapy, uses radioactive sources positioned temporarily or permanently within or near the area being treated.

Unlike external beam radiation therapy, which delivers radiation from a machine outside the body, brachytherapy places the radiation source close to the cancer itself.

This approach allows radiation to be delivered precisely to a defined treatment area.

Brachytherapy may be used on its own or alongside other cancer treatments, depending on the type, location and stage of the cancer.

Brachytherapy may be considered for several types of cancer, including:

Cervical Cancer

Brachytherapy is an important component of treatment for many patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. It is commonly combined with external beam radiotherapy and, where appropriate, chemotherapy.

Prostate Cancer

For selected patients with prostate cancer, brachytherapy may be used as a primary treatment or combined with external beam radiation therapy.

Endometrial Cancer

Brachytherapy may be recommended following surgery for certain patients with endometrial cancer to reduce the risk of cancer returning in the treated area.

Breast Cancer

In selected cases, brachytherapy may be used to deliver radiation to a limited area of the breast following surgery.

Other Cancers

Brachytherapy may also be considered for certain other cancers, depending on the tumour location, treatment objectives and availability of appropriate specialised facilities.

Not every patient or cancer type is suitable for brachytherapy. Your oncologist will explain whether this treatment is appropriate for your circumstances.

Brachytherapy works by positioning a radioactive source close to the cancer so that radiation can damage the DNA of cancer cells and reduce their ability to grow and divide.

The treatment is carefully planned to deliver an appropriate dose to the target area while reducing unnecessary exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

Depending on the treatment, specialised applicators, catheters or implants may be used to position the radiation source accurately.

Imaging techniques, such as CT, MRI or ultrasound, may assist with treatment planning and placement.

There are different approaches to brachytherapy, depending on the cancer being treated.

High-Dose-Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy

A radioactive source is temporarily positioned within or near the treatment area for a short, carefully calculated period.

The source is removed after each treatment session.

Low-Dose-Rate (LDR) Brachytherapy

Radiation is delivered at a lower dose rate over a longer period. Depending on the technique, radioactive sources may remain temporarily in place or be implanted permanently.

The appropriate approach depends on the cancer type, treatment plan and individual clinical circumstances.

Before brachytherapy is recommended, your oncologist will assess your diagnosis, medical history, imaging results and overall treatment goals.

The treatment process may include:

• Consultation and assessment: Reviewing your diagnosis and determining whether brachytherapy is suitable.
• Treatment planning: Using clinical information and imaging to identify the area requiring radiation.
• Applicator or implant placement: Positioning specialised equipment to deliver radiation accurately.
• Radiation delivery: Administering the prescribed dose according to the treatment plan.
• Follow-up care: Monitoring recovery, treatment response and potential side effects.

Depending on the procedure, anaesthesia or sedation may be required.

Some treatments are completed during a single visit, while others require several sessions or a hospital stay.

Your oncology team will explain the process relevant to your recommended treatment.

Side effects depend on the area being treated, the radiation dose and the treatment technique.

Possible effects may include:

• Temporary discomfort or tenderness in the treated area.
• Fatigue.
• Local irritation or inflammation.
• Urinary or bowel changes when treating cancers in the pelvic region.
• Vaginal discomfort, dryness or changes in tissue elasticity following certain gynaecological treatments.
• Other treatment-specific effects involving nearby organs or tissues.

Some side effects develop during or shortly after treatment, while others may occur months or years later.

Your oncologist will discuss both short-term and longer-term risks before treatment begins.

Brachytherapy is an established radiation treatment used in appropriately selected patients.

Treatment planning and delivery involve specialised equipment, radiation safety procedures and trained healthcare professionals.

Because the radiation source is positioned close to the treatment area, brachytherapy can deliver highly targeted radiation.

However, as with all cancer treatments, there are potential risks and side effects.

If temporary brachytherapy is used, the radioactive source is removed at the end of the treatment session. Permanent implants may require specific radiation safety advice for a period after placement.

Your treatment team will explain any precautions that apply to you.

At Melna Oncology Centre, our approach to cancer care begins with understanding each patient’s diagnosis, concerns and treatment goals.

Dr Thandeka Buthelezi-Zulu provides specialist radiation and clinical oncology consultations, helping patients understand the treatment options available for their condition.

Where brachytherapy is clinically appropriate, the treatment plan will take into account the patient’s individual needs and the specialised facilities required.

Our priority is to support informed treatment decisions through evidence-based oncology care and compassionate guidance.

Is brachytherapy the same as radiotherapy?

Brachytherapy is a type of radiotherapy. The difference is how radiation is delivered. External beam radiotherapy directs radiation from outside the body, while brachytherapy places a radioactive source within or close to the treatment area.

Is brachytherapy painful?

The experience varies depending on the procedure. Some patients experience discomfort during applicator placement or after treatment. Anaesthesia, sedation or pain relief may be used where appropriate.

Will I be radioactive after treatment?

Patients receiving temporary brachytherapy are generally not radioactive once the radiation source has been removed. Patients receiving permanent radioactive implants may need to follow specific safety precautions for a period after treatment.

How many brachytherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on the cancer type, treatment technique and prescribed radiation dose. Your oncologist will explain your individual treatment schedule.

Can brachytherapy be combined with chemotherapy or external beam radiation therapy?

Yes. Brachytherapy is frequently used as part of a broader treatment plan, particularly for certain gynaecological and prostate cancers.

Understanding your cancer treatment options is an important part of making informed decisions about your care.

If you have questions about brachytherapy or would like to discuss your radiotherapy options, contact Melna Oncology Centre to arrange a specialist oncology consultation.