Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy used to treat various types of cancer. There are two main types of brachytherapy: temporary and permanent. The procedure involves placing a radiation source—such as seeds, pellets, capsules, or radioactive implants—inside or near the tumor area. These implants emit radiation over a specific period.
Brachytherapy technology enables the delivery of a high radiation dose directly to the tumor to destroy or shrink it, while protecting the surrounding healthy tissue. In some cases, brachytherapy may serve as the only treatment method needed.
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Types of Brachytherapy for Cancer Treatment
Brachytherapy is divided into two main categories: temporary and permanent implants.
1. Temporary Implants
- Low-Dose Rate (LDR) Brachytherapy: In this method, the implant continuously releases a low dose of radiation for one to seven days. Once the treatment period ends, the implant is removed from the patient’s body.
- High-Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy: This type delivers a high dose of radiation during short treatment sessions lasting 10 to 20 minutes. The implant is removed after each session. Treatment frequency varies from twice daily for five days to once a week for five weeks, depending on the patient’s condition and the type of cancer being treated.
2. Permanent Implants
In permanent brachytherapy, radioactive implants are placed permanently inside the body and release a low dose of radiation gradually over several weeks or months. The radioactivity naturally decreases over time until it becomes inactive, while the implant remains in the body. This method is also known as “seed implantation” or permanent radioactive seed therapy.
Brachytherapy at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri – Advanced Technology for More Precise Cancer Treatment
As a hospital equipped with comprehensive oncology facilities, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers not only external radiation therapy but also brachytherapy, an internal radiation treatment for various types of cancer—particularly gynecologic cancers such as cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, vulvar, and fallopian tube cancers.
The brachytherapy technology at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri uses the Flexitron Brachytherapy System, an advanced system also utilized by leading cancer centers worldwide, including MD Anderson Cancer Center (USA), National Cancer Center (Singapore), University of Erlangen (Germany), and Medical University AKH (Austria).
Flexitron Brachytherapy is a high-dose-rate (HDR) afterloading radiation system where the radiation source is placed directly into or near the tumor area. The system is designed to provide a safer, more efficient, and highly precise treatment, minimizing risks to surrounding healthy tissues.
With this technology, treatment can be personalized according to the tumor’s location and type, ensuring optimal therapeutic results for each patient.
Expert Radiation Oncologist Team in Brachytherapy at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is supported by a team of experienced radiation oncologists who specialize in modern radiotherapy and brachytherapy for various cancer types.
1. Prof. Dr. dr. Soehartati A. Gondhowiardjo, Sp.Onk.Rad (K)
Prof. Soehartati is a distinguished radiation oncology expert with extensive clinical and academic experience. She completed her medical degree at the University of Indonesia (UI) in 1980 and her radiology specialization in 1987. Two years later, she pursued advanced training in Radiation Oncology at the University of Indonesia and Strahlentherapie Abteilung Wilhelm-Westfälischen Universität Münster, Germany. In 1998, she earned her Doctorate in Medical Sciences from the University of Indonesia in collaboration with AKH Vienna, Austria.
In addition to her academic role, Prof. Soehartati actively participates in various international workshops, including the Indonesia-IAEA Radiation Medicine Workshop (2023), ESTRO Evidence-Based Radiation Oncology Course (2023), and LPDP Scholarship Coaching & Selection Program (2023). Her expertise has significantly contributed to the advancement of radiation oncology in Indonesia.
Practice Schedule:
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Wednesday: 13.30 – 17.00 WIB
2. dr. Novina Fortunata, Sp.Onk.Rad
dr. Novina Fortunata earned her medical degree from Airlangga University and completed her Radiation Oncology specialization at the University of Indonesia.
As an active medical professional who continuously updates her knowledge, she regularly participates in both national and international conferences, including The 3rd Jakarta Annual Collaborative Cancer Meeting (JACCM) 2022, Federation of Asian Organizations for Radiation Oncology (FARO) Webinar Series, and Continuing Medical Education (CME) by the Indonesian Radiation Oncology Society (IROS). Her commitment ensures that she stays current with the latest innovations in radiotherapy technology and techniques.
Practice Schedule:
- Monday to Friday: 08.00 – 16.00 WIB
- Saturday: 08.00 – 13.00 WIB
3. dr. Riyan Apriantoni, Sp.Onk.Rad
dr. Riyan Apriantoni completed his medical education at Sriwijaya University and earned his Radiation Oncology specialization from the University of Indonesia.
He is highly skilled in modern radiotherapy techniques, including Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)—two methods that allow the delivery of high-dose radiation with exceptional precision. dr. Riyan also has extensive experience in performing brachytherapy and other advanced radiation therapy modalities, providing individualized treatment approaches tailored to each patient’s condition.
Practice Schedule:
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Monday to Friday: 17.00 – 19.30 WIB
To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri easier, you can use the Chat via WhatsApp, Book Appointment, or Care Dokter App, available on Google Play and App Store—allowing you to schedule visits, check queue numbers, and access complete hospital information conveniently.
