Brachytherapy at TGH TGH Onco-Life Cancer Centre

Internal Radiation That Targets Cancer – Safely, Precisely, and Effectively

When it comes to cancer treatment, precision matters. At TGH TGH Onco-Life Cancer Centre, we offer Brachytherapy — a highly focused form of radiation therapy that works from inside the body, right where the cancer is.

This form of treatment is especially effective for certain types of cancer and is known for being quick, accurate, and with fewer side effects compared to traditional radiation.

What is Brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy where tiny radioactive materials are placed inside or very close to the tumor. This allows doctors to give a high dose of radiation directly to the cancer while sparing the surrounding healthy tissues.

The word “Brachy” comes from the Greek word ‘Brachys’, which means short distance — because this therapy works by delivering radiation over a short and targeted range.

How Does Brachytherapy Work?

Small radioactive sources are sealed inside capsules or wires.
These are carefully placed into the tumor area using thin tubes or applicators.
Once placed, the radiation is delivered only where it’s needed, directly to the tumor.
Depending on the type of cancer, the radioactive source may be left in place:
- For a few minutes (high-dose rate or HDR Brachytherapy)
- Or for several days (low-dose rate or LDR Brachytherapy)
- Sometimes, very small seeds may be permanently implanted (like in prostate cancer)

It’s a painless procedure done under local or general anesthesia, depending on the case.

Where is Brachytherapy Used?

Brachytherapy is used to treat several types of cancers, including:

Cervical Cancer
Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Breast Cancer (in selected cases)
Esophageal and Head & Neck Cancers

It can be used as:

A standalone treatment
Or along with External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) to increase the total dose to the tumor while protecting nearby organs

Benefits of Brachytherapy

Targeted Radiation – Delivers high radiation dose directly to the tumor
Less Damage to Healthy Tissue – Reduces side effects like fatigue, skin irritation, or damage to nearby organs
Shorter Treatment Time – Most patients require fewer sessions compared to external radiation
Faster Recovery – Since it targets the tumor precisely, the body recovers faster
Safe and Proven – Strict safety protocols ensure controlled exposure and patient well-being

Our Expertise and Technology

At TGH TGH Onco-Life Cancer Centre, Brachytherapy is delivered using:

State-of-the-art planning systems
AERB-approved radioactive sources
Expert oncologists and trained technicians
Real-time imaging guidance for accurate placement

Our protocols follow international safety standards, ensuring both efficacy and comfort for our patients.

A Message to Our Patients

“When it comes to treating cancer, we believe in precision without compromise. Brachytherapy allows us to strike directly at the tumor, protect healthy parts of your body, and help you heal with fewer side effects. At Onco-Life, we bring together technology and compassion to offer you the best path to recovery.”

Most Popular Questions

Satara -FAQs on Brachytherapy

1. What is Brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy is a type of radiation treatment where a small amount of radioactive material is placed inside or very close to the cancer. This helps give high-dose radiation directly to the tumor with less harm to healthy tissues.

2. How is Brachytherapy different from external radiation (EBRT)?

In external radiation, the rays come from a machine outside the body. In brachytherapy, the radiation comes from inside your body, very close to the tumor. This allows more targeted treatment and usually has fewer side effects.

3. Is Brachytherapy safe?

Yes, brachytherapy is safe when performed by trained experts. The radioactive material is handled carefully, and treatment is done under full medical supervision at our centre.

4. Which cancers can be treated with Brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy is commonly used for:

Cervical cancer
Vaginal and uterine cancers
Prostate cancer
Esophageal (food pipe) cancer
Head & neck cancers
Skin cancer
Your doctor will tell you if brachytherapy is suitable for your condition.

5. How is Brachytherapy done?

Special tubes or applicators are placed inside your body. These are connected to a radiation machine which sends the radioactive source into the applicators for a few minutes to deliver the dose. Then it is safely removed.

6. Is the treatment painful?

You might feel slight discomfort during placement of the applicator, but we use local or short anesthesia to reduce pain. Most patients tolerate it well.

7. How long does a brachytherapy session take?

Each session usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the type of cancer and area being treated. Some procedures may need a short hospital stay.

8. How many sessions are needed?

The number of sessions depends on your treatment plan. For gynecological cancers, brachytherapy is usually done once a week for 3 weeks, after external radiation.

9. Can Brachytherapy be done without hospital admission?

Yes, some types of brachytherapy (like intracavitary for cervical cancer) can be done as an outpatient procedure. Others may require one-day admission.

10. Are there any side effects?

Side effects are usually mild and temporary. They may include:

Mild pain or discomfort
Nausea or loose motions
Skin irritation
Most patients recover quickly and return to normal activities.

11. Can I go home the same day?

Yes, for most cases, you can go home the same day after the procedure. Your doctor will inform you if observation is required.

12. Is Brachytherapy effective?

Yes, brachytherapy is very effective in treating cancers when used correctly. It delivers high radiation precisely to the cancer cells and helps improve outcomes.

13. Will it affect my ability to have children?

For gynecological cancers, brachytherapy can affect fertility. Your doctor will guide you based on your age, cancer stage, and treatment type.

14. Do I need to take any precautions after Brachytherapy?

Usually, no special precautions are needed. You can go about your routine unless advised otherwise. Drink plenty of water and report any unusual symptoms to your doctor.

15. Why choose Onco-Life Cancer Centre, Satara for Brachytherapy?

We have advanced radiation technology
Experienced cancer specialists and radiation oncologists
Safe, comfortable environment with personalized care
Part of a complete cancer treatment facility under one roof

Brachytherapy