In brachytherapy, radioactive material is placed inside or next to the tumor. It delivers a high dose of radiation to a specific area. The material can be seeds, capsules or ribbons.

Brachytherapy is typically placed with a catheter (thin tube). However, we may use a larger device called an applicator. You will get medication to prevent pain.

We can deliver brachytherapy in three ways:

• Low-dose rate (LDR): The radioactive material stays in place for one to seven days, then it’s taken out. Most patients stay in the hospital.
• High-dose rate (HDR): The radioactive material is placed for 10 to 20 minutes, then taken out. You may get this treatment:
• Several times a day for a few days
• Once a week for a couple of weeks

Some patients need to stay in the hospital. Others can go home between treatments.

• Permanent implants: Your care team places radioactive seeds. They will stay in your body permanently but lose radioactivity over time.

Brachytherapy is a common treatment for:

• Prostate cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Breast cancer
• Head and neck cancer
• Certain lung and gastrointestinal cancers

To learn more, visit radiation oncology.