Brachytherapy Services
Remote High Dose Rate Afterloading Brachytherapy
What is Remote High Dose Rate Afterloading Brachytherapy?
Brachytherapy is a form of radiotherapy, by which a radioactive source is placed into body or cavity through hollow tubes or needles (called applicators) to get to the inside or close to the tumour itself. After 5 to 20 minutes of treatment, the source travels back along the applicators to the brachytherapy machine and patient is no longer radioactive. This procedure delivers a high dose of radiation to the target with only a minimal dose affecting the surrounding tissues.
On what conditions can the treatment be performed?
This treatment may be done along with external beam therapy to help destroy tumour cells for certain types of cancer. It is often used in the treatment of oesophagus, cervix, uterus, vagina, sarcoma, and head and neck cancers.
I-131 Therapy (For Thyrotoxicosis only)
What is I-131 Therapy?
I-131 therapy (iodine-131 therapy), also known as radioactive iodine therapy, is a commonly used treatment for hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is over-activity of the thyroid gland, resulting in excessive secretion of thyroid hormones and leading to thyrotoxicosis.
Radioactive iodine is a form of iodine that emits radiation, it is taken by mouth. When it is absorbed by the body, it will be concentrated in the thyroid gland. The radiation given off will decrease the activity of thyroid cells and reduce thyroid hormone secretion. It is a safe, simple and convenient treatment that aims at long term control of thyrotoxicosis.