As cancer treatment continues to advance, doctors are increasingly using highly targeted approaches that improve treatment precision while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissues. One such treatment is brachytherapy, a form of internal radiation therapy that delivers radiation directly at or near the tumour, making it an important option for selected cancer patients.
“Brachytherapy is a highly precise form of radiation treatment that enables us to target the tumour directly while limiting radiation exposure to the surrounding healthy tissues. It is used in selected cancers such as cervical, prostate, breast and certain head and neck cancers, where accurate radiation delivery can improve treatment outcomes and reduce treatment-related side effects. The suitability of brachytherapy depends on the type, location and stage of the cancer, and every patient requires an individualised treatment plan,” said Dr Prithwijit Moitra, Associate Consultant- Radiation Oncology, Manipal Hospital, Rangapani.
Unlike external radiation therapy, where radiation is delivered from outside the body, brachytherapy involves placing a radioactive source inside or close to the tumour for a specified duration. This allows a higher dose of radiation to be delivered precisely to the cancer while reducing exposure to nearby healthy organs. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, brachytherapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery, chemotherapy or external beam radiation therapy.
While brachytherapy is an established treatment technique internationally, its use is not routine across all cancer centres in India. This is particularly relevant in prostate cancer, where brachytherapy is offered only at a limited number of specialised centres in the country. Internationally, it is more commonly practised as a treatment option for appropriately selected prostate cancer patients. The decision to use brachytherapy depends on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, tumour characteristics and the patient’s overall health.
For many patients, brachytherapy offers several advantages, including a shorter treatment duration, faster recovery and lower risk of radiation-related complications to nearby organs. The procedure may be performed as a temporary or permanent implant, depending on the cancer being treated, and patients are carefully evaluated before treatment to ensure the most appropriate approach.
With growing awareness and advances in cancer care, experts emphasise that early diagnosis and timely consultation with a radiation oncologist can help patients understand all available treatment options. When recommended for the right patient, brachytherapy can provide an effective, targeted and organ-preserving approach, contributing to improved cancer outcomes and better quality of life.
About Manipal Hospitals
Manipal Hospitals is one of India’s leading integrated healthcare providers serving ~8 million patients annually, focussed on providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services. Manipal’s integrated network today has a pan-India footprint of 50 hospitals with over 13,400 licensed beds across 14 States & Union Territories. The network is India’s largest multispecialty hospital network by bed capacity, supported by a talented pool of 11,000+ doctors and an employee strength of over 25,000.
With a commitment to provide patient-centric care, Manipal Hospitals combines clinical expertise with advanced technology, research and innovation to serve a multitude of patients across the globe. Its continued focus on clinical quality and operational excellence is reflected in its NABH accreditation, with several of its hospitals also accredited by NABL and recognised for its excellence in nursing and emergency care.