The Precise Answer for Tackling Cancer. Because Life is for Living

 
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Cancer Treatment – a key health priority
According to the World Health Organization, new cases of cancer are estimated to increase from 11.3 million in 2007 to 15.5 million in 2030. Improvements in screening and detection programs have meant that cancer can now be diagnosed more often at an earlier stage. Key components of cancer treatment include surveillance (i.e. monitoring the progress of the cancer) radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. Developments in all areas, in particular in radiotherapy and chemotherapy, have led to improved survival rates and to improvements in quality of life, bringing new hope and choices to patients.

Radiotherapy – a cornerstone of cancer treatment
Radiotherapy has long been a mainstay in the treatment of different cancers. It works by destroying the cancer cells in the treated area. Many people with cancer will have radiotherapy as part of their treatment. This can be given either as external radiotherapy from outside the body using x-rays or from within the body as internal radiotherapy, often referred to as brachytherapy.

Brachytherapy – high-precision radiotherapy
As the name suggests, internal radiotherapy, or brachytherapy, is a high-precision radiation therapy, in which the radiation source used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors is placed in or close to the tumor itself. This precision brachytherapy approach allows a physician to concentrate a high dose of radiation in a smaller area, with less damage to nearby, healthy body tissues and organs, over a shorter treatment period.

Brachytherapy – a standard of care, backed up by technological advances
The original idea of internal radiotherapy was actually first developed in the early part of the twentieth century. For example, brachytherapy has long been regarded as a standard of care in the treatment of cervical cancer,  and experts agree that brachytherapy has a particular role in the treatment of smaller, earlier stage tumors. Recent technological advances in brachytherapy have resulted in treatments tailored to the individual needs of each patient:
• Modern imaging techniques such as CT scans and MR scans, allowing medical practitioners to pinpoint the location, shape and size of a tumor 
• Specific technology and software - allowing doctors to precisely calculate the optimal dose and its distribution to treat the tumour, while avoiding healthy tissue.
• Specialized medical devices allow high doses of radiotherapy to be delivered to the target site, safely and efficiently

Brachytherapy – providing benefits and choices in cancer management
With earlier diagnosis and improved treatment options, the outlook for the future for patients is moving towards living not only a longer but also a higher quality life following diagnosis and treatment. Clinical studies have shown that brachytherapy produces disease outcomes (survival rates, etc) similar to those seen with other treatment approaches. However, it also offers the benefit of shorter treatment times – days as opposed to several weeks with external radiotherapy for example– and often on an out-patient basis.  

Furthermore, since the radiation is delivered in a concentrated and targeted manner, there is less risk of damage to surrounding tissues.Earlier detection through screening programs of smaller, earlier stage tumors, coupled with the technological advances in brachytherapy, leading to sparing of healthy tissues around the tumor and shorter treatment times, reinforce its clinical value. This has led to its use in the treatment of different tumor types, and the development of new treatment techniques:

• In prostate cancer, brachytherapy is increasingly recognized as a standard of care in earlier stage disease. Treatment time usually involves one day or an overnight stay, as opposed to a period of weeks with external radiotherapy.  Computer software and imaging technology are used to calculate the dose and the appropriate distribution using brachytherapy, and guide the delivery of radiation via small implanted seeds or specialized needles.  Because the treatment is targeted to the tumor area, there is less risk of damage to surrounding tissues, such as the nerves controlling erection.  In one study, 45% of 208 patients who underwent surgical removal of the prostate reported problems with erectile function, compared to 10-15% of 869 patients who received brachytherapy.

• In breast cancer, management of early stage breast disease is increasingly focusing on saving or conserving the breast as much as possible.  This is involves a combination of surgery to remove the tumor followed by external radiotherapy.  The use of brachytherapy reduces the time needed for radiotherapy - from 6-7 weeks down to 5 days. This results in less disruption to the lives of women being treated, with less time away from work and family, and the opportunity to successfully fulfill their treatment program.  Other potential benefits include less radiation reaching the skin, lungs, heart, ribs, the healthy part of the breast, and the body as a whole. 

• Brachytherapy is also used in treating cancer of the skin, endometrium (lining of the womb), head & neck, eye, lung, esophagus, etc.  Although often used alone, brachytherapy can be combined with other cancer treatments.  The benefits of using brachytherapy to reduce the size of rectal tumors prior to surgery are under investigation, with the aim of minimizing damage to healthy tissues, including the anal sphincter.

Brachytherapy today
Today, brachytherapy is well established in North America and Europe, as well as in other world regions.  The last two decades have witnessed significant developments and a greater understanding of its role and clinical value.  However, not all patients for whom brachytherapy may represent a meaningful component of their cancer management program actually receive brachytherapy. 

Providing meaningful solutions and options in treating cancer, so that patients may achieve longer but also fuller lives, is a key challenge for all involved in cancer care. That’s why Nucletron, as a leading developer, manufacturer and provider of brachytherapy solutions and other radiotherapy innovations, is dedicated to helping save lives and making a change for the better.