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Precise internal radiation treatment where radioactive sources are placed directly inside or next to the tumour — delivering a high dose to the cancer while sparing healthy tissue. Widely used for cervical, prostate and breast cancers at SHB-MDH.
Brachytherapy — from the Greek word “brachy” meaning “short distance” — is a form of radiation therapy where sealed radioactive sources are placed directly inside or very close to the tumour, instead of beaming radiation from outside the body.
Because the radiation source sits at the tumour itself, a very high dose reaches the cancer while the dose drops off sharply just millimetres away — protecting nearby healthy organs like the bladder, rectum and bowel far better than external radiation alone.
Brachytherapy is often combined with external beam radiation (EBRT) for cancers like cervical cancer, where this combination is the global standard of care. It can also be used alone for selected early-stage cancers.
A powerful radioactive source travels through thin applicators to the tumour for a few minutes per session, then is completely removed. No radioactive material stays in your body. Most common technique — used for cervical, uterine and breast cancers.
Small radioactive seeds deliver radiation slowly over time. In permanent seed implants (commonly for prostate cancer), tiny seeds remain in place and lose their radioactivity gradually over weeks.
Applicators are placed inside a natural body cavity next to the tumour — such as the uterus and cervix. The standard technique for cervical and endometrial cancers. No surgical incision needed.
Thin needles or catheters are inserted directly into the tumour tissue itself — used for prostate, breast, and head & neck cancers, or when intracavitary placement cannot cover the tumour adequately.
Examination and review of your scans to confirm brachytherapy is right for your cancer type and stage.
Applicators or catheters are positioned under anaesthesia — you feel no pain during placement.
CT/MRI with applicators in place. Physicists calculate the exact dose plan for your anatomy.
The radioactive source is delivered through the applicators for a few minutes, then fully removed (HDR).
Most patients go home the same day. Regular follow-ups monitor your response and recovery.
Bring your reports for a detailed evaluation. We will explain whether brachytherapy is right for you, the full treatment plan, and subsidy eligibility.
📞 Helpline: +91-9218071543
The applicator placement is done under anaesthesia (spinal or general), so you feel no pain during the procedure. Some pressure or discomfort may be felt afterwards while applicators are in place, which is managed with pain medication. The radiation delivery itself is completely painless.
No. In HDR brachytherapy, the radioactive source is inserted only for a few minutes during treatment and then completely removed. Nothing radioactive remains in your body — you are fully safe around family, children, and pregnant women immediately after.
Permanent LDR seeds (used mainly for prostate cancer) emit very low radiation that fades over weeks. Your doctor will give simple precautions, such as briefly limiting close contact with pregnant women and small children. Normal daily life continues otherwise.
Typically 3–5 HDR sessions, often given once or twice a week. This is far fewer than external radiation, which usually requires 25–30 daily sessions. Your exact schedule depends on your cancer type and whether brachytherapy is combined with external radiation.
For locally advanced cervical cancer, the combination of external radiation plus brachytherapy is the global standard of care — studies show significantly better cure rates than external radiation alone, because brachytherapy delivers a very high dose directly to the cervix that external beams cannot safely match.
Most HDR sessions are day-care — you come in the morning and go home the same evening. Some interstitial procedures may need an overnight stay. Your doctor will tell you in advance based on your specific treatment plan.
As a charitable hospital, our brachytherapy rates are heavily subsidized compared to corporate centers. government scheme patients may be eligible for cashless treatment. Our patient support desk will assess your family for additional charitable subsidy.
Consult our radiation oncology team to know if brachytherapy is right for your treatment plan — at rates every family can afford.
📞 Helpline: +91-9218071543
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