Brachytherapy Cost in Singapore

“Brachytherapy”, also called “Internal radiation therapy”, represents an advanced approach within the realm of radiation therapy, a cornerstone of cancer treatment. Unlike conventional external beam radiation therapy, which emanates radiation from a machine outside the body, brachytherapy involves placing radioactive particles or sources directly inside or adjacent to the tumor site.

By doing so, brachytherapy delivers a targeted, high dose of radiation precisely to the tumor, while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. This focused delivery allows for the administration of high radiation doses to specific areas of the body, enhancing treatment efficacy.

This therapy finds application in the treatment of various cancers, including cervical, prostate, breast, skin, lung, head and neck, and gum cancer, among others. Particularly, it is a widely utilized procedure for prostate cancer treatment, offering an alternative to surgery for gum cancer patients who may be unfit or do not require surgical intervention. One of the notable advantages of brachytherapy lies in its efficiency, as treatment completion often requires fewer sessions compared to conventional radiotherapy techniques. Moreover, many patients undergo brachytherapy on an outpatient basis, further enhancing its accessibility and convenience. Overall, brachytherapy is well-tolerated by patients, with fewer side effects reported, making it a valuable therapeutic option in the fight against cancer.

Types of Brachytherapy

There are two types of brachytherapy treatment:

Temporary brachytherapy: In this method, highly radioactive particles are placed in a catheter or slender tube for a specific amount of time and then withdrawn. Temporary brachytherapy can be administered at either a low-dose rate (LDR) or a high-dose rate (HDR).

Permanent brachytherapy: In this method, a radioactive seed or pellet is implanted in or near the tumor and left there permanently. After several months, the radioactivity level of the implanted seed eventually diminishes to nothing.

Brachytherapy, a form of radiation therapy, involves the strategic placement of radioactive material near or within the cancerous tissue. The method and location of placement are determined by various factors, including the cancer's location, extent, the patient's overall health, and treatment objectives.
It can be administered in either temporary or permanent forms of brachytherapy.

“Temporary brachytherapy”, also known as high-dose-rate brachytherapy, typically involves brief treatment sessions lasting from a few minutes to about 20 minutes. During these sessions, patients lie comfortably while the radiation device is placed inside the body cavity or inserted into the cancerous area using small needles. Anesthesia may be administered depending on the treatment plan. While the radioactive material is inserted into the brachytherapy device with the assistance of a machine, the radiation therapy team monitors the procedure from a nearby room. Although patients may experience some discomfort, they are closely attended to by the care team to address any concerns.

In contrast, “permanent brachytherapy” involves the placement of radioactive material in the body for extended periods, commonly used in treating conditions like prostate cancer. This procedure is typically performed manually, with imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans ensuring precise placement. Patients are under anesthesia during the process to minimize discomfort. While initially emitting low doses of radiation, precautions may need to be taken around children and pregnant individuals. However, over time, the radiation levels decrease, and these restrictions are lifted.

Following brachytherapy, Doctors may advise follow-up scans or Physical examination to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and it is crucial to evaluate and determine whether the therapy has achieved its outcome.

patients might experience some side effects such as fatigue, discomfort, and urinary or bowel changes, which may subside within a few weeks. It's common for individuals to resume their normal activities gradually, although strenuous activities may need to be avoided for a short period. Patients are closely monitored by healthcare professionals to manage any side effects and ensure a smooth recovery process. In the long term, regular follow-up appointments and monitoring are essential to assess treatment efficacy and address any lingering side effects or concerns.