New 3D HDR Brachytherapy Machine!
The Chihuahua Cancer Center now has the state-of-the-art ELEKTA Flexitron High Dose Rate Brachytherapy machine, which identifies tumors via imaging, ensuring effective and precise treatment.
What is brachytherapy? Brachytherapy, also known as Internal Radiation Therapy, is a form of radiation therapy that delivers a higher dose of radiation directly to the tumor or its vicinity. This targeted approach aims to damage the DNA of cancerous cells, thereby impairing their ability to replicate, divide, and grow.
How does HDR 3D brachytherapy work?
Brachytherapy works by placing a radiation source directly inside or near the cancerous tumor within the body. This allows radiation to be precisely targeted to ensure that the tumor receives the most effective dose to destroy the cancerous cells. This personalized approach also reduces the risk of any unnecessary damage to healthy tissues and organs that are close to the tumor.
Radiation Oncologists and Medical Physicists plan, calculate and administer brachytherapy using highly advanced software to determine how and where radiation should be delivered in the body.
General anesthesia is administered, ensuring that the patient feels no pain during or after the procedure. The radiation is delivered precisely and accurately to the tumor using special applicators.
The applicators are carefully positioned using various imaging techniques, such as computed tomography or other high-resolution tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or PET-CT scans. A small radiation source is then prepared and delivered to the treatment site through the applicators.
Benefits
- It is highly effective in cancer treatment as radiation is administered with a high level of precision.
• It carries a minimal risk of side effects, thanks to the specific and precise nature of administering Radiation Therapy from inside the body.
• It can be performed on an outpatient basis, thereby avoiding the need for overnight hospital stays in many cases.
• Recovery times are short: patients can typically return to their daily activities very quickly.
• The benefits of Brachytherapy can allow you to return to your daily life sooner with minimal disruption.
• It can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with external beam radiation therapy or oncological surgery.
Your doctor will advise you on the best treatment based on your clinical situation.
The Chihuahua Cancer Center (COC) is at the forefront of comprehensive cancer treatment.
Our multidisciplinary approach to care is based on a prestigious and experienced medical and nursing team, as well as various disciplines that aim to minimize side effects. Additionally, we rely on evidence-based medicine through international clinical guidelines.
