Brachytherapy means placing a radioactive source next to a tumor in the airway and treating the tumor with radiation. Criteria for brachytherapy include patients who are not surgical candidates, patients who have already had the maximum amount of external radiation and patients with very localized cancer.
Brachytherapy allows additional radiation to be given to a patient who has already received the maximum dose of external radiation. This additional treatment is possible because the radiation is delivered directly to the tumor site, minimizing damage to normal tissue.
Before the Procedure
To determine if they are candidates, patients undergo an initial bronchoscopy. Patients are then seen by a Radiation Oncologist to determine the amount of local radiation needed. The brachy treatment is either given in one dose or divided into three doses. The Radiation Oncologist and the patient, depending on several variables that will be discussed, make this decision.
How it is Performed
The method by which the procedure is done includes another outpatient bronchoscopy. While the bronchoscope is in place in the airway, a catheter is advanced through the bronchoscope and placed next to the tumor.
Once the catheter is positioned in the airway, it is connected to the machine that delivers the radiation.
The dose of radiation and the specific area of tumor to be radiated is programmed into a computer. The computer controls the actual delivery of radiation. This method of delivery provides increased safety for the patient and the staff.
After the treatment is completed, the catheter is removed and the patient returns to the recovery area for two hours. The recovery is similar to that of a bronchoscopy; the vocal cords are numb from the topical anesthesia and supplemental oxygen is necessary for approximately two hours. When the patient can swallow, he or she can be discharged and return home. Follow-up is in six to eight weeks with an outpatient bronchoscopy.
PH358 (Rev. 1/08)