Brachytherapy: Advanced Treatment For Recurrent And Post-Surgical Cervical Cancer – News18

Last Updated:January 27, 2025, 17:27 IST

Brachytherapy has transformed the way recurrent and post-surgical cervical cancer is treated

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, with around 6, 60,000 new cases and 3,50,000 deaths each year. India contributes around 25% of this global burden. Despite advancements in treatment, many patients face ongoing challenges, such as recurrence of cancer or post-surgical complications. One promising treatment for addressing these challenges is brachytherapy, which provides targeted radiation therapy with much fewer side effects. Dr. Tejinder Kataria, Chairperson, Radiation Oncology, Cancer Care, Medanta, Gurugram shares all you need to know about brachytherapy

Challenges of recurrent and post-surgical cervical cancer

Approximately one third of women treated for cervical cancer will have a recurrence, often within two years of their initial treatment. Recurrence may be localised to the pelvic area or spread to distant organs. Traditional treatments like chemotherapy and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) can struggle to effectively target localised recurrence or prevent damage to sensitive tissues such as the bladder and rectum. This is where brachytherapy steps in as a promising solution, providing highly targeted radiation therapy with fewer side effects.

Brachytherapy: A Solution for recurrent and post-surgical cervical cancer

Brachytherapy, also called internal radiation therapy, involves placing a source of radiation directly at or near the tumour. This allows high doses of radiation to be delivered to affected cancer cells with minimal damage to healthy tissues. Doctors can ensure that the radiation is precisely targeted to the affected areas by using advanced imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans. This makes brachytherapy particularly effective for treating localised recurrences.

Why choose brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy stands out as a highly effective treatment option for cases where the residual disease is detected, which ultimately leads to recurrences and related complications, by offering a range of benefits that address clinical needs and patient comfort.

1. Precision and targeted approachUnlike external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), which is delivered from a far distance and beam is conformed to the target, brachytherapy delivers radiation directly to the tumour or residual cancer cells. This targeted approach minimises damage to nearby healthy tissues, including critical organs like the bladder and rectum.
2. Addressing post-surgical complicationsFor patients facing residual tumours or having a higher probability of recurrence due to stromal invasion of cervix, after surgery, brachytherapy provides a personalised solution. It effectively targets microscopic disease without affecting the scar tissue that may cause discomfort or interfere with pelvic organ function, thereby improving recovery outcomes.
3. Reduced side effects and risksAdvanced imaging techniques and personalized/individualized applicators ensure precise radiation delivery, reducing complications such as bleeding, pain, or infections often associated with other treatment methods.
4. Shorter treatment timeBrachytherapy sessions are typically faster than other radiation therapies, allowing patients to complete treatment in a shorter time, typically 3-5 sessions and resume daily activities sooner.
5. Compatibility with combination therapiesBrachytherapy can seamlessly integrate with other therapies like chemotherapy or EBRT, allowing a comprehensive approach to treating complex cases and enhancing treatment outcomes.Advanced tools in brachytherapyAdvancements in healthcare have significantly improved the effectiveness and precision of brachytherapy:

   Image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT)IGBT uses real-time image processing to deliver accurate doses of radiation to the target area while avoiding surrounding organs like the bladder or rectum. Ensuring precise adjustment during treatment, reducing complications, and improving outcomes.

   3D imaging and personalised applicatorsAdvanced imaging like CT and MRI provides a 3D view of tumours, enabling customised applicators that conform to the shape and location of the cancer. This ensures uniform radiation delivery, reduces the risk of missing tumour areas, and enhances patient comfort.

   New radiation sourcesInnovations in radiation sources, such as advanced needles, tubes, and pellets, have revolutionised brachytherapy. These sources are safer, more effective, and minimise complications while ensuring the radiation is delivered accurately to the tumour.

   MAOLO (Medanta anterior oblique lateral oblique template)Another advancement is MAOLO, a disk-shaped template r that allows the placement of the maximum number of catheters in three directions. It removes the need for stitching components to the skin, making this procedure more comfortable for the patients. Its cylindrical design also minimises complications such as bleeding and pain while ensuring accurate treatment.

   Brachytherapy has transformed the way recurrent and post-surgical cervical cancer is treated. With its precision and advanced technology, it not only improves survival rates but also focuses on enhancing the quality of life for patients. As more advancements are made, brachytherapy continues to be a source of hope for those battling cervical cancer.