Innovative imaging modalities (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, transrectal ultrasound) and sophisticated computerized treatment planning systems has helped to achieve an increased positional accuracy and superior, optimized dose distribution. The discovery of man-made radioisotopes and remote afterloading techniques has reduced radiation exposure hazards. However, over the past three decades, there has been renewed interest in the use of BT. The arrival of high-voltage EBRT for deeper tumors and problems associated with radiation exposure to high-energy radionuclides, led to a decrease in using BT as a treatment option till the middle of last century. EBRT uses a device located at a distance from the patient, as in the case in most orthovoltage or supervoltage machines. In BT, the radiation device is placed within or close to the target volume. Generally, brachytherapy (BT) and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) are the two types of radiation techniques that are used clinically.
Since the discovery of polonium and radium by Marie and Pierre Curie in the late 19th century, and the first use of radium in the treatment of cancer in the late 19th century, brachytherapy (as it would eventually be called) is being used in focused and short treatment courses.
Curie), and in many cases, an outpatient procedure used in a treatment of different types of cancer. Brachytherapy, as a definition, is derived from ancient Greek words for ‘short distance’ (brachios) and ‘treatment’ (therapy), and refers to therapeutic use of encapsulated radionuclides within or close to a tumor.
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