Brachyterapialääkkeitä

Brachyterapialääkkeet, known in English as brachytherapy sources or radionuclides, are radioactive materials used in brachytherapy, a form of radiotherapy. Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources directly inside or very close to the tumor. This allows for a high dose of radiation to be delivered to the cancerous tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy organs and tissues.

These sources come in various forms, including seeds, wires, ribbons, or capsules. The type of radionuclide used depends on the cancer being treated, its size, and location. Common radionuclides employed in brachytherapy include Iodine-125, Palladium-103, Cesium-137, Iridium-192, and Radium-226. Each radionuclide has a different half-life, which determines how long it remains radioactive and delivers radiation.

The selection of a brachytherapy source is a critical decision made by a radiation oncology team. They consider factors such as the required radiation dose, the duration of treatment (permanent vs. temporary implantation), and the specific biological characteristics of the tumor. Brachytherapy is used to treat a range of cancers, including prostate, breast, cervical, and skin cancers. The precise placement and the decay characteristics of the brachytherapy sources are essential for effective and safe treatment.