Brachytherapy

Overview

Experienced and highly trained Mayo Clinic radiation oncologists have performed brachytherapy, an advanced treatment for people who have cancer, for nearly 20 years. More than 2,000 patients have received brachytherapy treatment for cancer at Mayo Clinic.

"Brachy" is a Greek word meaning short. Brachytherapy involves treating disease by exposure to a radioactive substance (radiotherapy). Doctors place a small radioactive source (pellet or seed) in or a short distance from a cancerous tumor. Brachytherapy allows use of a high dose of radiation while reducing the risk of damage to nearby healthy tissue and increasing the likelihood the cancer is destroyed.

Doctors may place brachytherapy seeds inside a body cavity, such as the vagina, or insert seeds into body tissue using hollow needles. Brachytherapy may be used alone or with radiation given externally. Radioactive seeds may be left permanently in place or removed after some time.

Most radiation given off affects the area immediately next to the seeds and the radiation dose to nearby healthy tissues is low. Many people have no major side effects from brachytherapy.

In Mayo Clinic's system, radiation oncologists work closely with other specialists, including oncologists, urologists and anesthesiologists, to find the most appropriate treatment.

Conditions treated

Mayo Clinic doctors use brachytherapy in the treatment of many cancers, including:

• Bile duct
• Breast
• Cervical
• Endometrial (uterine)
• Esophageal
• Lung
• Ocular melanoma
• Prostate
• Soft tissue sarcomas
• Some cancers of the head and neck

Brachytherapy is an effective option for some people who have prostate cancer or cervical cancer, and may be preferred for some women who have uterine (endometrial) cancer. Doctors recommend brachytherapy for people who are at risk for tumor regrowth in the upper vagina after removal of the uterus.

Read about results of brachytherapy research studies.