Brachytherapy Cancer Treatment in Orange County

Understanding Brachytherapy for Cancer Care

This is one of our oncology services, which allows for the direct irradiation of cancerous tissue. Brachytherapy can be used in place of, or as a complement to, external beam irradiation. MicroSelectron HDR (high dose rate) remote afterloading Brachytherapy gives Beverly Oncology a powerful weapon against cancer.

The MicroSelectron HDR is a high dose rate, intraluminal, interstitial, intracavitary and intraoperative remote Afterloading system with a built in simulator source. Using the latest in computerization, it permits precisely targeted irradiation and accuracy and safety never before attainable.

Why Choose Brachytherapy: A Weapon of Hope

Remote Afterloading Brachytherapy allows the physician to focus radiation with extreme precision on the cancerous tissue, placing the radiation source directly in or around the tumor site. The risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissue is therefore, minimized. Higher-risk patients can now be treated since more intensive patient care can be administered without undue risk of radiation exposure to personnel.

Because of the extra safety offered by this method, stronger radiation can be used. Treatment times can be shorter and the radiation more effective in treating the tumor. Frequently, remote Afterloading Brachytherapy can be administered on an outpatient basis, and expenses related to hospital admissions and operating room costs can be avoided or minimized.

How Brachytherapy Treatment Works

During treatment, a specially designed catheter is placed in the tumor. Depending on the site of the tumor, the catheter may be inserted in the Brachytherapy room instead of the operating room. After the catheter is precisely positioned, it is connected to the remote Afterloading Brachytherapy unit. The radiation source is sent to the tumor site under the supervision of the physician. The radiation therapists, on a closed-circuit television camera, observe the patient.

The patient is provided with an intercom system to enable direct communication with the medical team. Treatment time takes about 10-20 minutes, depending on the individual circumstances and the type of cancer being treated. Three (3) to ten (10) treatments are usually required, depending on each situation. Most of the time, this treatment is used in conjunction with external radiation therapy.

Benefits of Brachytherapy Cancer Treatment

Brachytherapy, a targeted form of radiation therapy, offers several benefits in cancer treatment.

• It delivers radiation directly to the tumor site, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This approach often results in fewer side effects and shorter treatment durations.
• Brachytherapy can be highly effective for various cancers, including prostate, cervical, and breast cancer.
• It allows for outpatient procedures, reducing hospital stays and enhancing overall patient comfort and quality of life during cancer treatment.

Contact us for Brachytherapy cancer treatment in Orange County.