Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy

Highly targeted internal radiation therapy for precise tumor control.

What is Brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources sealed inside seeds, pellets, or capsules directly inside or near the tumor. The radiation damages the DNA of nearby cancer cells while limiting the dose to surrounding healthy tissue.

Delivery Techniques:

  • Intracavitary: Placed within a natural body cavity (e.g. cervix, uterus).
  • Interstitial: Placed directly into the tumour tissue using needles or catheters.
  • Intraluminal: Placed within a hollow organ (e.g. Esophagus).
Bravos Brachytherapy System

High-Dose-Rate (HDR)

Iridium-192 Source

PMGH uses High-Dose-Rate (HDR) brachytherapy, most commonly with an Iridium-192 radioactive source.

During treatment, the source travels from a shielded machine into the applicator for a few minutes, delivering the prescribed radiation dose before returning safely to the machine.

This is an afterloading technique, meaning:

  • The radioactive source is only present during treatment
  • There is no radiation risk to staff
  • Patients are not radioactive after treatment and can safely go home

Typical Treatment Schedule

Treatment schedules vary depending on the cancer type and clinical plan, but may include:

  • One treatment per day
  • Weekly treatments (usually 3–4 sessions)
  • Several treatments delivered over consecutive days

Your care team will explain your individual schedule in advance.

Your Brachytherapy Journey

Understand exactly what happens during your internal radiation treatment. We have prepared a simple, illustrated guide to walk you through the procedure step-by-step.

View Treatment Pathway

Critical for Women's Health

Brachytherapy is an essential component of curative treatment for cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related death among women in Papua New Guinea.

Our facility is designed to treat hundreds of women each year, helping close a major gap in cancer care nationally.

Impact

Access to brachytherapy, combined with external beam radiotherapy, can significantly improve cure rates and survival for women with cervical cancer.

The Gold Standard for Curative Treatment

For locally advanced cervical cancer, international guidelines recommend a combination of two treatments to achieve the highest chance of cure:

1
External Beam Radiotherapy

Daily treatment over 5 weeks targeting the whole pelvis.

  • Shrinks the main tumour
  • Treats lymph nodes where cancer may have spread
2
Brachytherapy Boost

Internal treatment delivered after or towards the end of EBRT.

  • Delivers a massive dose directly to the cervix
  • Destroys the central "heart" of the tumour
  • Spares the bladder and rectum

EBRT shrinks the tumor → Brachytherapy eliminates what remains

Why Brachytherapy is Essential

Evidence shows that for cervical cancer, external radiation alone is not enough. Adding brachytherapy significantly increases the survival rate and decreases the chance of the cancer coming back. It is a non-negotiable part of curative care.

Brachytherapy Patient Pathway

STEP 1

Assessment

Clinical evaluation and imaging (MRI or CT) to determine suitability for brachytherapy.

"Your oncologist will review your scans and medical history. You may need fresh MRI or CT scans to ensure precise planning."

Frequently Asked Questions

Still unsure?

Your care team will explain every step before treatment begins. You will never be asked to proceed without understanding why brachytherapy is needed.

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