Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is an internal radiotherapy cancer treatment approach that attacks tumors by placing a radioactive source within (intracavitary) or very near (interstitial) the affected tissue. The purpose of using brachytherapy is to deliver to the tumor a powerful, localized dose of radiation that can be higher than what can be delivered with external beam radiotherapy, or EBRT. When compared to other forms of treatment brachytherapy frequently has a shorter treatment period, sometimes can be delivered on an outpatient basis, and allows for precision application of very high doses of radiation. Brachytherapy can treat a wide variety of cancers, including those of the prostate, breast, esophagus, gallbladder, cervix, anus/rectum, extremities, and sarcomas. The patient typically receives the total dose in a series of 2-10 treatment sessions, also known as fractions. Radiation oncologists may use high dose rate (HDR), low dose rate (LDR), and pterygium-specific forms of brachytherapy. HDR involves radioactive seeds precisely positioned in the body for as little as a few minutes to a half hour. It's often an outpatient procedure. LDR is an inpatient procedure to implant radioactive cesium seeds, either for a short time or permanently. Brachytherapy can also be used to treat pterygium, an eye condition.

Why UAB

UAB Radiation Oncology offers a wide range of advanced treatment techniques in radiation therapy including triggered imaging radiosurgery, Gamma Knife surgery, medical dosimetry, Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy, Brachytherapy, External Beam Radiation Therapy, Image-Guided Radiotherapy, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, radioisotope therapy, Stereotactic body radiation therapy, Total Body Irradiation, and Total Skin Irradiation.

In keeping with our position as a leading academic medical center, UAB’s research is at the forefront of medicine, providing our patients with the latest and most innovative medical treatment and technology. Our physicians utilize state-of-the-art technology that can precisely target tumors while sparing healthy tissue.

UAB physicians, nurses, and clinical staff create and encourage a supportive and caring environment for patients. They understand what it is like to be on the patient side of the table and consider that in every stage of care. They encourage patients to take an active and informed role in their health and treatment, while tailoring care plans and guidance to each patient’s individual needs.

We recognize that delivering the best clinical outcomes is our primary goal, but we also understand that how we deliver those outcomes determines the overall quality of your interaction with us. When we work in the laboratory, we realize that that our families and future generations are counting on us to develop novel clinical solutions to today’s health problems. When we teach tomorrow’s healthcare professionals, we are shaping tomorrow’s leaders in clinical care and research. When we treat today’s patients, we are aiding the great leaders of tomorrow.

UAB Radiation Oncology clinicians are at the forefront of modern medicine. Their work with the greatest medical minds of today, along with their training of the physicians and researchers of tomorrow, leaves them well-versed in the latest clinical practices and in the creation of promising treatment options for tomorrow.

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Sonya Sutton faced cancer head on with the help of UAB Medicine.

Welcome to the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center

Personalized cancer treatment focused on one patient at a time.

PHYSICIANS

Markus Bredel, MD, PhD

Omer L. Burnett, MD

Michael C. Dobelbower, MD, PhD

John B. Fiveash, MD

Rojymon Jacob, MD

Kimberly S. Keene, MD

Robert Kim, MD

Ruby F. Meredith, MD, PhD

Sharon A. Spencer, MD

Christopher D. Willey, MD, PhD

Eddy Yang, MD

Related Conditions

This procedure may be used to treat or diagnose several different conditions. We have listed some of these conditions below for your convenience. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list and may vary depending on your specific diagnosis.

Clinical Trials

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for Brachytherapy. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.

View Clinical Trials