Brachytherapy

What is Brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy is a high-precision radiation therapy technique in which a radioactive source is placed directly inside or near the tumor, destroying it from within. Due to its minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissues, it is considered a modern and highly effective method for treating various types of cancer.

Types of Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy can be used as:

• A standalone treatment — in early-stage skin cancer (stage I–II), low-risk prostate cancer, or as postoperative irradiation after radical surgery.
• In combination with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) — for more complex cases, such as gynecologic cancers.

Based on the delivery method of the radioactive source:

• Interstitial brachytherapy – the source is implanted directly into the tumor tissue.
• Contact brachytherapy, including:

– Intracavitary (commonly used in gynecologic tumors),
– Intraluminal (e.g., for esophageal or bronchial cancer),
– Surface/applicator-based (e.g., for skin cancer).

Conditions Treated

Brachytherapy is used for:

• Gynecologic cancers (cervix, uterus, vagina, vulva),
• Non-melanoma skin cancers, especially in cosmetically sensitive areas (e.g., eyelids, nose, ears),
• Malignant tumors of the lips and eyelids,
• Prostate cancer,
• Esophageal, bronchial, anal, and breast cancers.

Contraindications

Brachytherapy is not indicated in cases of:

• Large tumor volume,
• Multiple metastases,
• Fistulas,
• Severe comorbidities in decompensated stage.

Preparation for the Procedure

Preparation depends on tumor location:

• Skin cancer – no special preparation needed,
• Interstitial brachytherapy – local anesthesia is used,
• Cervical/uterine brachytherapy – performed under spinal or intravenous anesthesia,
• Prostate cancer – spinal anesthesia only.

All preparation steps and possible side effects are discussed during the initial consultation.

Procedure Steps

• Insertion of an applicator or interstitial catheter into the tumor site,
• Delivery of the radiation source (iridium) to the target area,
• After the session, the source is retracted, the applicator is removed, and the patient may go home the same day.

There is no radiation risk to others, as no radioactive material remains inside the patient.

Our Equipment

At the Erebuni Radiotherapy Center, brachytherapy is performed using a modern Varian machine equipped with an iridium isotope. CT, MRI, and 3D dose planning are employed to ensure precision and minimize side effects.

Brachytherapy in Yerevan – Treatment Efficiency

Brachytherapy enables delivering a curative radiation dose directly to the tumor:

• Early-stage skin cancer – typically 7–8 sessions over 1.5 weeks,
• Low-risk prostate cancer – curable in just 2 sessions.

Potential Side Effects

Mild local reactions such as redness or skin irritation may occur. Serious complications are extremely rare and are minimized through precise treatment planning.

Why Choose Our Center

• Equipment from leading manufacturers
• Highly qualified medical team
• Advanced imaging (CT, MRI) and 3D planning
• Individualized treatment approach for each patient