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Brachytherapy is a procedure to treat and manage cancers. It acts by placing sources containing radioactive isotopes that emit radiation for a specified distance. It can be used as monotherapy or in conjunction with other cancer management. Brachytherapy can be delivered by several means, including intraluminal, intracavitary, and multi-catheter interstitial (MIB). Sources that are permanently or temporarily implanted within the tumor are labeled as interstitial brachytherapy, while sources placed near the tumor are considered plesiotherapy. Brachytherapy is different from other forms of radiation therapy because it allows for administering higher doses of radiation, minimizing insult to surrounding organs. This activity outlines the role and treatment considerations of brachytherapy in managing patients who are undergoing cancer treatment. Objectives: Identify the etiology of brachytherapy medical conditions and emergencies. Review the appropriate evaluation for the use of brachytherapy. Outline the management options for brachytherapy. Describe interprofessional team strategies for improving care coordination and communication to advance brachytherapy and improve outcomes. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

Brachytherapy (BT) is a radiotherapy technique where radioactive devices are inserted near tumors to safely deliver high doses of radiation to eliminate and shrink tumors. Brachy- means short distance in Greek. It was first used in 1901 by Alexandre Danlos and Paul Bloch, who received a radioactive sample from Marie Sklodowska Curie and her husband, Pierre. Danlos and Bloch were attempting to treat lupus. In 1903, Margareth A. Cleaves first used brachytherapy to treat cervical cancer. Since these initial brachytherapy procedures, this technique has changed the treatment approach for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer. Brachytherapy is different from other forms of radiation therapy because it allows for administering higher doses of radiation, minimizing insult to surrounding organs.

Interprofessional communication is especially crucial for brachytherapy. Identifying tumors and planning the best route for administration and duration of administration requires the cooperation of many interprofessional teams. Radiologists can assist with using MRI imaging to map and locate 3-dimensional regions for the tumor. Nurses in oncology services are essential patient advocates.[43] They provide an additional opportunity to check dosing plans and inquire about the patient's history. Also, they can be instrumental in assuring that the patient receives a low-residue diet to reduce the frequency of bowel movements while undergoing brachytherapy.