Brachytherapy is a cancer treatment modality where one or more radioactive sources are placed either in or very close to a tumour. Over the years it has been used to treat a number of different tumour types. At present gynaecological and prostate cancers are the most common cancers for its use. There are a number […]
Dr Keith Langmack
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
This study describes implementation of in vivo dosimetry for high dose rate prostate brachytherapy treatments using a commercially available metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) detector. High dose rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy is a well established treatment for prostate cancer. Typically around 12-20 catheters are inserted into the prostate through the perineum under transrectal […]
Josh Mason
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Radiotherapy is a core part of multidisciplinary cancer management, with around 40% of those cured having radiotherapy as part of or the whole of their cancer treatment. Brachytherapy (derived from the Greek word brachys meaning ‘shortdistance’) is a form of radiotherapy where a sealed radiation source is placed directly into the body. Brachytherapy has advantages […]
Dr Jwala Philip, Dr Fei Sun, Dr Ann Henry
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
The authors’ institution utilises ultrasound technology in a number of radiotherapy treatments. Ultrasound enables visualisation of organs and applicator positioning in brachytherapy treatments, ensuring safe and accurate treatment without the associated risk of concomitant radiation exposure. Barbara Segedin et al concluded: “Ultrasound guidance of applicator insertion is useful and feasible, allowing the completion of the […]
Glenda Logsdail, Ruth Rowse, Michael Graveling
Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust
Radiotherapy is a commonly used, potentially curative treatment modality in patients with localised and locally advanced prostate cancer. The development of a radiation-induced second primary cancer is a serious long-term side effect of radiotherapy treatment. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in males in the UK, with a lifetime risk of one in eight. […]
Dr Louise Murray
Leeds Cancer Centre
Vaginal vault brachytherapy is a standard treatment for a number of different gynaecological cancers. It is typically used in conjunction with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for women with endometrial cancers after hysterectomy if there is considered to be a high risk of local recurrence. For those with intermediate risk disease, vaginal vault brachytherapy alone may […]
Pauline Humphrey
Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre