[Current status and future of brachytherapy].

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiotherapy
• Medical Physics

Context:

• Brachytherapy has evolved significantly, particularly in Japan.
• Remotely controlled high-dose-rate afterloading intracavitary treatment is common for uterine cervix carcinoma.
• Interstitial radiotherapy using the 192Ir hairpin technique is increasingly used for intraoral carcinomas.

Purpose:

• To review the historical development and current status of brachytherapy.
• To highlight advancements in brachytherapy techniques and applications.
• To explore the expansion of brachytherapy indications for various cancers.

Summary:

• Brachytherapy in Japan has seen advancements, notably remote-controlled high-dose-rate afterloading for cervical cancer and 192Ir hairpin interstitial radiotherapy for oral cancers.
• These techniques have successfully minimized personnel radiation exposure.
• Current efforts focus on extending brachytherapy applications to bile duct, pancreas, rectum, and prostate cancers, with initial patient treatments underway.
• Permanent 125I implants are also gaining interest.

Impact:

• Reduced occupational radiation exposure for healthcare professionals in brachytherapy.
• Potential for improved treatment outcomes in various cancers through expanded brachytherapy indications.
• Advancement of minimally invasive radiotherapy techniques in clinical practice.