Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting women, particularly those in their productive years. It occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the cervix—the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. In most cases, cervical cancer is caused by a long-term infection of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Advancements in medical technology have made cervical cancer treatment more effective and less invasive. One of the latest and most promising techniques available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is brachytherapy, an internal radiation therapy proven to deliver precise treatment with minimal side effects compared to conventional radiotherapy.
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What Is Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer?
Brachytherapy is an internal radiation therapy technique designed to destroy cancer cells more precisely. Unlike external beam radiotherapy, which delivers radiation from outside the body, brachytherapy works by placing a radiation source inside or very close to the tumor site, allowing for targeted treatment.
The general steps of cervical cancer brachytherapy include:
- Treatment Planning: The oncologist performs imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to determine the exact location and size of the treatment area.
- Applicator Placement: A special device is inserted into the cervix or vagina to deliver radiation.
- Radiation Delivery: The radioactive source is temporarily placed inside the applicator according to the prescribed dose and duration.
- Post-Treatment Monitoring: After the procedure, the applicator is removed and the patient is closely monitored to ensure no serious side effects occur.
Key Benefits of Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer
- Highly Targeted Radiation: Radiation is delivered directly to the tumor, minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
- Minimal Side Effects: Since the radiation is localized, the risk of damage to nearby organs such as the bladder and intestines is significantly lower.
- Shorter Treatment Duration: Brachytherapy typically requires only a few short sessions, with a relatively quick recovery time.
- High Success Rate: This technique has proven effective in shrinking or eliminating cervical cancer cells, especially when combined with external radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
- Better Quality of Life: Patients can often return to their normal activities sooner with minimal disruption to reproductive organ function.
Advanced Brachytherapy Technology at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
As a high-tech, integrated oncology center, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri provides a full range of comprehensive cancer therapies aimed at achieving the best possible outcomes for every patient.
Available treatment options include external radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
One of Mandaya’s most advanced technologies is the Flexitron Brachytherapy System, a state-of-the-art internal radiation system also used by world-renowned cancer centers such as MD Anderson Cancer Center (USA), National Cancer Center (Singapore), University of Erlangen (Germany), and Medical University AKH (Austria).
The Flexitron system operates on the High Dose Rate (HDR) afterloading principle, in which a radioactive source is placed directly inside or near the tumor area to deliver high-dose radiation with exceptional accuracy. This approach ensures safer, more efficient, and precisely targeted therapy while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Each brachytherapy session at Mandaya Royal Puri is individually customized based on the tumor’s location, type, and characteristics, resulting in more personalized and optimal treatment for every patient.
Expert Brachytherapy Specialists at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Mandaya Royal Puri is not only equipped with world-class technology but also supported by a team of experienced radiation oncologists specializing in brachytherapy for cervical cancer:
1. Prof. Dr. dr. Soehartati A. Gondhowiardjo, Sp.Onk.Rad (K)
Prof. Soehartati is a leading expert in radiation oncology with extensive clinical, academic, and research experience. She completed her medical degree at Universitas Indonesia (UI) and pursued her specialization in Radiology and Radiation Oncology at UI and Strahlentherapie Abteilung Wilhelm-Westfälischen Universität Münster, Germany. In 1998, she earned her Doctorate in Medicine from Universitas Indonesia through a joint program with AKH Vienna, Austria.
Prof. Soehartati actively participates in international conferences and training programs, including the Indonesia–IAEA Radiation Medicine Workshop (2023) and ESTRO Evidence-Based Radiation Oncology Course (2023).
She is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in developing radiation oncology services in Indonesia.
Consultation Schedule:
- Wednesday: 13.30 – 17.00 WIB
2. dr. Novina Fortunata, Sp.Onk.Rad
Dr. Novina Fortunata is a radiation oncologist who completed her general medical degree at Universitas Airlangga and her specialist training at Universitas Indonesia.
She is actively involved in continuing education and international training programs, including the 3rd Jakarta Annual Collaborative Cancer Meeting (JACCM) 2022, FARO Webinar Series, and IROS CME Program.
Her commitment to continuous learning keeps her at the forefront of modern oncology practices and radiotherapy innovations.
Consultation Schedule:
- Monday – Friday: 08.00 – 16.00 WIB
- Saturday: 08.00 – 13.00 WIB
3. dr. Riyan Apriantoni, Sp.Onk.Rad
Dr. Riyan Apriantoni graduated from Universitas Sriwijaya and completed his Radiation Oncology specialization at Universitas Indonesia.
He is skilled in modern radiotherapy techniques such as Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)—high-precision methods that deliver optimal radiation doses directly to the tumor site.
Dr. Riyan also has extensive experience in brachytherapy and other radiotherapy approaches tailored to each patient’s unique condition to achieve the best treatment outcomes.
Consultation Schedule:
- Monday – Friday: 17.00 – 19.30 WIB
To schedule a consultation with one of our radiation oncology specialists at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, you can use the Chat via WhatsApp, Book Appointment feature, or download the Care Dokter app via Google Play or App Store to view queue numbers, appointment details, and other complete information.
