Brachytherapy Flashcards
what are the advantages and disadvantages of brachytherapy
advantages - high dose to a small area and accurate localisation and immobilisation of tumour volume
disadvantages - access to the tumour can be hard.
Why is HDR preferred over LDR
as it is better tolerated by patients, there is less applicator movement, mainly treats outpatients so saves on beds.
what are examples of Low dose rate (LDR) radioactive sources
caesium-137 - used for gynae patients
iodine-125 - occasionally used in prostate (prostate seeds)
what is HDR after loaded brachytherapy
the radioactive source is loaded into the patient once everyone has left the room
what is an example of high dose rate and pulse rate radioactive sources
iridium-192
what is intercavity brachytherapy used for?
placement in an existing cavity i.e. vagina, uterus, cervix.
what is interstitial brachytherapy used for
prostate, breast, head&neck, uses needles that need to be fixed in a template
what is intraluminal brachytherapy
bronchus and oesophagus, applicators inserted during endoscopy
what is surface brachytherapy
applicators placed directly into the skin surface such as the scalp or back of the hand.
ceasium - x
is used in what type of brachytherapy
ceasium -137 and low pulse rate for gynae patients
iodine-X
is used in what type of brachytherapy
iodine - 125low pulse rate used in prostate seeds
irridium - x
and what is it used in
irridium - 192 and high pulse rate
what cancers are included under the paris system
intersititual
what cancers are included under the manchester system
gynae
