Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy used to treat various forms of cancer. The procedure involves placing a radiation source—such as seeds, pellets, capsules, or special implants—inside or near the tumor area. These implants emit radiation over a specific period to destroy cancer cells.
Brachytherapy delivers high doses of radiation directly to the tumor, making it highly effective in shrinking or eliminating cancer masses without damaging the surrounding healthy tissues. In some cases, patients may only need brachytherapy, while in others, it can be combined with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) or surgery for optimal results. So, what are the key benefits of brachytherapy in cancer treatment?
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Benefits of Brachytherapy for Treating Various Types of Cancer
1. Precisely and Effectively Targets Tumors
Brachytherapy works by placing the radiation source directly inside or near the tumor. This technique allows a high radiation dose to be precisely directed at cancer cells without spreading to the surrounding healthy tissue. Because the radiation is focused solely on the affected area, it enhances cancer cell destruction while minimizing the risk of damage to normal tissues.
2. Reduces the Risk of Side Effects
One of the main advantages of brachytherapy is its minimal side effects compared to external radiation. Since the radiation works only on the target area, patients experience fewer issues such as skin irritation, excessive fatigue, or impaired organ function near the treated site. This makes brachytherapy a safer and more comfortable treatment option for many cancer patients.
3. Faster Recovery Time
Brachytherapy procedures are typically shorter and require less recovery time compared to conventional radiation therapy. Many patients can return to their normal activities within a few days after treatment, depending on the cancer type and their overall health condition.
4. Increases Treatment Success Rates
Brachytherapy has been proven to deliver excellent results, especially in localized tumors that have not spread. Studies show that it has significantly improved survival outcomes for cervical cancer patients. In prostate cancer cases, brachytherapy can completely eradicate cancer and reduce the risk of recurrence in the future.
5. Improves Quality of Life
With its high effectiveness, minimal side effects, and shorter recovery time, brachytherapy allows patients to undergo cancer treatment without compromising their quality of life. Patients can recover more quickly and return to their daily routines with better energy levels and confidence.
Brachytherapy at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri: Advanced Cancer Treatment Technology
In addition to providing advanced cancer treatments such as radiotherapy, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri also offers brachytherapy for various types of cancer.
The brachytherapy technology used at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is Flexitron Brachytherapy, the same system used by renowned institutions such as 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 system that delivers radiation directly inside or near the tumor. This system is designed to make treatment safer, more efficient, and precise—minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Expert Radiation Oncologists at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is supported by a team of highly experienced radiation oncology specialists skilled in performing brachytherapy for various cancer types:
1. Prof. Dr. dr. Soehartati A. Gondhowiardjo, Sp.Onk.Rad (K)
Prof. Dr. dr. Soehartati A. Gondhowiardjo, Sp.Onk.Rad (K) is a leading expert in radiation oncology with extensive academic and clinical experience. She graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia in 1980 and completed her specialization in Radiology in 1987. Two years later, she deepened her expertise in Radiation Oncology through Universitas Indonesia and the Strahlentherapie Abteilung Wilhelm-Westfälischen Universität Münster, Germany. In 1998, she earned her Doctorate in Medicine from Universitas Indonesia in collaboration with AKH Vienna.
In addition to formal education, Prof. Soehartati actively participates in international workshops and training programs to stay updated with the latest advancements in radiation oncology. These include the Workshop Indonesia-IAEA Comprehensive Collaboration for the Development of Radiation Medicine Facilities in Indonesia (2023), LPDP Scholarship Selection Interview Coaching (2023), and ESTRO: Evidence-Based Radiation Oncology Course (2023). Her international experience, in-depth research, and dedication to academia have contributed significantly to the advancement of radiation oncology in Indonesia.
Clinic Hours:
- Wednesday: 13:30 – 17:00 WIB
2. dr. Novina Fortunata, Sp.Onk.Rad
dr. Novina Fortunata, Sp.Onk.Rad completed her general medical education at Universitas Airlangga and pursued her specialization in Radiation Oncology at Universitas Indonesia.
She actively participates in both national and international seminars, scientific forums, and training programs to stay current with the latest radiotherapy innovations. Some of these include The 3rd Jakarta Annual Collaborative Cancer Meeting (JACCM) 2022, FARO Webinars (Federation of Asian Organizations for Radiation Oncology), and Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs organized by the Indonesian Radiation Oncology Society (IROS). Her commitment to continuous learning ensures that her patients benefit from the latest developments in cancer care.
Clinic Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 16:00 WIB
- Saturday: 08:00 – 13:00 WIB
3. dr. Riyan Apriantoni, Sp.Onk.Rad
dr. Riyan Apriantoni, Sp.Onk.Rad completed his general medical education at Universitas Sriwijaya and specialized in Radiation Oncology at Universitas Indonesia.
He is skilled in advanced radiotherapy techniques such as Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)—technologies that deliver radiation with exceptional precision. In addition to these, he is also experienced in performing brachytherapy and other radiation-based treatments, tailoring each approach to meet the specific needs of every patient for optimal outcomes.
Clinic Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 17:00 – 19:30 WIB
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