Brachytherapy (definition of)

Brachytherapy is a method for administering radiation treatments. The radioactive material, which resembles small metal rods, are inserted inside or adjacent to malignant areas. This is also called sealed source, internal radiation, and endocurie therapy.

Brachytherapy is ideal for treating mesothelioma (like peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma) because the radiation source is localized, thus limiting radiation exposure to healthy tissue, allowing for higher doses of radiation than is possible with standard external beam radiation treatments.

Methods

During this procedure, a small radioactive pallet or "seed" is inserted either surgically, through a needle or catheter, or through a body cavity. Today, the process is usually done with the use of a computer-guided device that helps to insure accurate placement. Depending on the nature of the treatment, the seed may be retrieved after a period of time, or left in place. In case of the latter, the seed loses its radioactivity within a few months.

Brachytherapy is a relatively minor procedure, requiring only local anesthesia. Depending on the method used, it may be done as an outpatient procedure, or require a hospital stay.

Side Effects

Patients may experience initial soreness around the insertion point in addition to the usual side effects of radiation treatments. Since the patient him/herself is slightly radioactive, s/he will have to keep away from children and pregnant women until the seed is removed or is no longer emitting radiation.

For more information about Brachytherapy as well as additional treatment options, view our mesothelioma treatment guide.