Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is a form of radiation treatment that places a radiation source close to or inside a tumor to target cancer while limiting exposure to nearby tissue.
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Brain & Spine Tumors
We have decades of experience caring for patients with brain & spine tumors, pioneering minimally invasive treatments and leading research for new treatments to improve patient outcomes.
What Is Brachytherapy?
Brachytherapy is a treatment that delivers radiation from inside the body or very close to the area being treated. Unlike external radiation, which comes from a machine outside the body, brachytherapy uses a small radioactive source placed in or near a tumor for a planned period of time.
This approach may be used in carefully selected cases when a physician wants to concentrate radiation in a specific area while helping reduce exposure to surrounding tissue. The right approach depends on the tumor type, its location, prior treatment and the patient's overall health.
Why Choose Baptist Health?
At Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care, patients receive evaluation and treatment planning from physicians who focus on complex neurologic conditions and tumors. Care is coordinated across specialties so each treatment plan reflects the tumor location, symptoms, imaging findings and other therapies.
Because brachytherapy is highly specialized, treatment planning is important. Our experts work to guide patients through each step, explain options in plain language and support informed decisions about care. When appropriate, patients may also need imaging, surgery or other radiation-based treatments such as Radiosurgery as part of a broader plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Brachytherapy places the radiation source inside the body or very near the tumor. External radiation delivers treatment from a machine outside the body.
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Not always. Brachytherapy is a radiation treatment, but placing the radiation source may involve a procedure. Your physician will explain whether surgery, anesthesia or another technique is needed.
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Candidacy depends on the tumor type, size, location, prior treatment, symptoms and overall health. A full evaluation is needed before a physician can recommend this treatment.
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The treatment schedule varies. Some patients have a single treatment session or procedure, while others may need a different schedule based on the care plan.
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Risks vary by the area being treated and how the radiation source is placed. They may include swelling, bleeding, infection, irritation of nearby tissue or other radiation-related side effects.
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Yes. Follow-up visits are important so your care team can monitor healing, review symptoms and check how the tumor is responding to treatment.
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Yes. Depending on your condition, options may include monitoring, surgery, systemic therapy or other radiation treatments such as Radiosurgery. Your physician will review the options that fit your diagnosis.
Pioneering The Cures Of Tomorrow
Our researchers play a vital role in helping us better understand brain and spine disease. They participate in a wide variety of clinical trials dedicated to improving treatments that will ultimately lead to better patient outcomes. Learn more about their work and what it means to be involved in a clinical trial.
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