Sarcoma of the thigh treated
with HDR brachytherapy
Sarcomas are generally treated with surgery; however, cancer cells often left after the tumor is removed can form new tumors. For this reason, radiation therapy is often used at the surgical site to prevent tumor reoccurrence. In High-Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy, a catheter (a thin flexible tube) is implanted in the body when the tumor is removed. External radiation may also be used if necessary. The same procedure can also be used in areas where melanoma has been surgically removed.
When the patient has the tumor surgically removed, the surgeon plants the catheter in the cavity where the tumor used to be; the end of the catheter protrudes from the skin. The area is bandaged and treated with antibacterial substances to avoid infection.
Once the surgery has sufficiently healed, the patient is imaged with CT or radiography, and these images are used to determine the treatment. The catheter is attached to the treatment machine, called a remote afterloader. The afterloader sends the radioactive treatment source to the end of the catheter, where it treats the cancer and then is withdrawn.
Treatment course is determined by the radiation oncologist, but in general treatment is twice a day for 8 to 10 days. Once treatment is complete, the catheter is removed and healing process finishes.
HDR brachytherapy reduces injury to healthy tissue; since sarcomas often form in muscles and bone, this can greatly speed recovery and aid quality of life. This procedure also allows for high radiation dosage, which makes treatment more effective. Also, side effects when using only external radiation to treat sarcoma (for example, skin damage) are avoided.
This therapy is provided by numerous radiation oncologists at UPMC Cancer Centers.
