Prog Med Phys.  2021 Jun;32(2):25-39. 10.14316/pmp.2021.32.2.25.

Brachytherapy: A Comprehensive Review

• Lim YK
• Kim D

• KMID: 2516962
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14316/pmp.2021.32.2.25

Abstract

Brachytherapy, along with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), is an essential and effective radiation treatment process. In brachytherapy, in contrast to EBRT, the radiation source is radioisotopes. Because these isotopes can be positioned inside or near the tumor, it is possible to protect other organs around the tumor while delivering an extremely high-dose of treatment to the tumor. Brachytherapy has a long history of more than 100  years. In the early 1900s, the radioisotopes used for brachytherapy were only radium or radon isotopes extracted from nature. Over time, however, various radioisotopes have been artificially produced. As radioisotopes have high radioactivity and miniature size, the application of brachytherapy has expanded to high-doserate brachytherapy. Recently, advanced treatment techniques used in EBRT, such as image guidance and intensity modulation techniques, have been applied to brachytherapy. Threedimensional images, such as ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography are used for accurate delineation of treatment targets and normal organs. Intensity-modulated brachytherapy is anticipated to be performed in the near future, and it is anticipated that the treatment outcomes of applicable cancers will be greatly improved by this treatment’s excellent dose delivery characteristics.

Keyword

Brachytherapy; Radioisotope; Three-dimensional imaging; Image guidance; Intensity modulation

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Brachytherapy applicators. (a) Henschke applicator. (b) Rotterdam applicator. (c) Fletcher applicator (tandem and ovoid). (d) Utrecht applicator. (e) Vienna applicator. (f) Venezia applicator. (g) Syed–Neblett interstitial template. (h) Miami applicator. (i) MUPIT applicator. (j) Intrauterine catheter and vaginal mold. (k) Interstitial needles. (l) SAVI applicator. MUPIT, Martinez universal perineal interstitial template; SAVI, strut-adjusted volume implant.

• 

  Fig. 2 Example of the dynamically shielded applicators for intensity-modulated brachytherapy.

Reference

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