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For patients with certain types of cancers, brachytherapy can provide a precise, less invasive treatment to a limited area of the body, reducing radiation exposure to healthy tissue. Now, a new technique to deliver high-dose brachytherapy using new equipment known as the Flexitron Remote Afterloader, is offering patients at MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center a shorter and more precise treatment option.
Also known as internal radiation therapy, brachytherapy delivers radiation near or within a tumor to limit damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Using less invasive non-surgical techniques, radiation oncologists place seeds, ribbons, or capsules of a radiation source near the tumor to treat it.
We offer different types of brachytherapy and recommend the treatment approach that is most effective for a patient’s unique condition. Because brachytherapy uses a higher radiation dose, it can be a more effective method to destroy some cancers than external radiation treatments.
Brachytherapy: Precise radiation treatments.
Brachytherapy is most often used to treat cancers of the prostate, cervix, and uterus, and sometimes for cancers found in the head and neck. This is because precise, targeted radiation can spare sensitive surrounding organs, such as the bladder, rectum and small bowel, as well as critical structures in the head and neck region. Patients may therefore have less diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, or skin irritation than with traditional radiation therapy.
Brachytherapy can be a standalone treatment or used in combination with other methods such as external beam radiation. There are three primary types of brachytherapy:
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Permanent implants: These “seeds” emit radiation over time and remain in the body after they are implanted. This type of brachytherapy is most often used to treat prostate cancer.
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Low dose implants: These implants emit a low dose of radiation to treat the tumor from inside the body over an extended time.
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High dose implants: The implants provide a temporary, high-intensity burst of radiation.
Flexitron is the latest innovation in high dose brachytherapy.
Related reading: 4 Advantages of Intraoperative Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer Treatment.
Flexitron: Quicker treatment with fewer side effects.
Through the use of applicators that can help position the radiation source near or within the tumor, the Flexitron machine enables us to administer a controlled, high dose of radiation. After the treatment, the applicator and radioactive source are removed, and patients can resume normal activities.
The Flexitron offers patients advantages over traditional brachytherapy. These include faster treatment time—up to 30% shorter than older technologies. What’s more, patients can get Flexitron treatment here at MedStar Washington.
While no cancer treatment is without side effects, Flexitron helps minimize them. Patients often worry that they may be “radioactive” after treatment, but with these treatments, patients can continue to safely interact with their family and friends.
Side effects will vary depending upon the area being treated, the dose of radiation, and any other treatments that may also be given. Our team works closely with patients to manage any side effects based on their individual needs.
Talk with your oncologist to determine whether brachytherapy could help treat your cancer. Less invasive more personalized treatment options like the Flexitron provide patients with even more choices for advanced cancer treatment.
