Brachytherapy in India
Brachytherapy is internal radiation therapy in which a radioactive source is placed inside the body, in or close to the tumour. It is commonly used for selected cervical, prostate, breast, head-and-neck and eye cancers.
At a glance
- Category
- Radiation
- Procedure
- 5 key stages
Indicative only. Your specialist will confirm what applies to you.
What Is Brachytherapy?
Unlike external beam radiation, brachytherapy places the radiation source directly in or near the treatment area. It can be delivered through applicators, catheters, seeds or other devices and may be temporary or permanent depending on the cancer and technique.
When Is Brachytherapy Considered?
Brachytherapy is considered when placing radiation close to the tumour can provide an effective local dose while limiting exposure to surrounding tissues. The role differs by cancer site and may be combined with external radiation.
Cancer suitable for local internal radiation
The tumour site can be reached with an applicator, catheter or implant technique.
A high local dose is useful
Placing radiation close to the tumour can reduce dose to some surrounding tissues.
Brachytherapy fits the overall radiation plan
It may be used alone or with external beam radiation depending on the disease.
How Brachytherapy Works
- 1
Consultation and imaging review
The radiation oncologist confirms the role of brachytherapy.
- 2
Applicator or catheter placement
The treatment device is positioned in or near the tumour.
- 3
Planning imaging
CT, MRI or other imaging may be used to define the target and nearby organs.
- 4
Radiation delivery
The radioactive source is introduced for the planned duration.
- 5
Removal or follow-up
Temporary devices are removed after treatment; permanent implants require specific follow-up instructions.
Preparation Before Treatment
Preparation may include imaging, anaesthesia assessment, bowel or bladder instructions and applicator planning. Cervical and other intracavitary treatments may require anaesthesia or sedation.
Review diagnosis and previous radiation
Pathology and prior treatment affect dose and technique.
Follow procedure-specific fasting or bowel/bladder instructions
The preparation depends on the tumour site and anaesthesia plan.
Discuss radiation-safety instructions
These differ for temporary versus permanent sources.
Technique & Technology
Image-guided brachytherapy uses CT, MRI or other imaging to optimise applicator position and shape the radiation dose around the tumour and nearby organs.
- 01
Image-guided adaptive brachytherapy
Cross-sectional imaging helps tailor dose to the tumour and nearby organs.
- 02
High-dose-rate afterloading
A computer-controlled source delivers radiation through applicators for a short, planned period.
Recovery & What to Expect After Treatment
Recovery depends on whether the source and applicator are temporary or permanent and whether anaesthesia was used. Some patients return home the same day, while others need short inpatient monitoring.
Risks & Important Considerations
Side effects are site-specific and may include pain, bleeding, urinary, bowel or sexual effects. Temporary or permanent implants can also require radiation-safety precautions.
Potential benefits
Radiation is delivered close to the tumour
This can provide a high local dose with rapid dose fall-off outside the treatment area.
Important to know
Technique is highly site-specific
Cervical, prostate and breast brachytherapy use different applicators, doses and schedules.
Possible risks
Procedure-related discomfort or bleeding
Applicator placement can cause local pain or bleeding.
Organ-specific late effects
Urinary, bowel, sexual or tissue effects depend on the treatment site and dose.
Limitations
Not all tumours are accessible or appropriate
Anatomy, tumour extent and previous treatment can make another radiation approach preferable.
Brachytherapy Cost in India
The cost of brachytherapy in India varies according to the exact treatment plan, clinical complexity, centre, investigations and any additional care required.
What affects the cost
- Treatment technique and complexity
- Hospital or treatment centre
- Investigations and planning
- Anaesthesia or specialised equipment where required
- Length of stay and monitoring
- Complications or additional treatment
Numeric pricing should be published only after Fabtitude validates the current treatment estimate for the specific procedure and clinical pathway.
Treatment Duration & Stay in India
High-dose-rate treatments may take minutes per session over several visits; low-dose-rate or permanent implants follow different schedules.
Before treatment
Specialist review, required investigations and treatment planning are completed before the procedure or therapy begins.
Treatment and early recovery
The immediate treatment period depends on the exact technique, complexity and whether inpatient monitoring is required.
Follow-up and travel planning
Recovery, pathology or response assessment and fitness for long-distance travel should be reviewed before returning home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachytherapy
Find out whether Brachytherapy is right for you
Have your reports reviewed by a specialist before you travel. Suitability can only be confirmed after an individual assessment.