What is the difference between external beam radiation and brachytherapy?
External beam radiation is treatment given from a machine at a distance from the body. Usually, this machine is a linear accelerator. The patient lies in a pre-determined position on the treatment table, and trained radiation therapists identify the area to be treated. Some external beam treatments can be focused on a very small area, and a higher dose with fewer fractions can be given. Stereotactic radiation therapy is focused treatment to a part of the brain and can be given in one or several doses. Brachytherapy (which DFCI patients receive at Brigham and Women’s) is the placing of a radioactive source, or implant, within the body. The implant may be placed in a tumor or body cavity for a limited or indefinite period. Brachytherapy may be given at a high dose rate for some cancers, such as gynecological or lung cancers, or at a low dose rate, as in prostate cancer.
Related Questions
- Have any comparative effectiveness studies been conducted that compared surgery, brachytherapy, and external beam radiation?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of brachytherapy (seed implantation) versus external beam radiation?
- What is the difference between external beam radiation and brachytherapy?
