What is Internal Radiation Therapy?

Internal radiation therapy is a medical treatment where a doctor applies radiation internally, usually with the goal of killing cancer cells. This procedure allows for the delivery of targeted high dose radiation and may be recommended for some kinds of cancers in addition to other treatment options. There are several types of internal radiation therapy, and a doctor can discuss all the options with a patient before treatment begins.

The procedure starts with an evaluation of the patient to determine the correct placement of the radiation therapy and to develop an appropriate dose. When the patient is ready for the therapy, she can receive brachytherapy, where a radioactive object is placed in her body, or she can take a liquid dose of radiation, swallowing a fluid and allowing the radioactive material to penetrate. The best option depends on the type of cancer.

With liquids, patients will be radioactive, as will their body fluids, for several days. They may need to stay in the hospital for safety, and people usually need to wear special gear around the patient. At the end of the internal radiation therapy, a doctor can scan the patient to see if radiation levels are within safe tolerances and then release him to receive continuing care at home.

In brachytherapy, patients emit small doses of radiation, but their body fluids are usually safe. This internal radiation therapy procedure can involve placing highly radioactive materials in the patient temporarily, for minutes or days, or the permanent implantation of small radioactive “seeds” to deliver a steady low dose. The material breaks down inside the patient and the seeds can be left in for the duration of the patient's life unless they start to cause problems like inflammation.

Medical imaging and tissue sampling can provide information about whether the treatment is successful. These are useful for establishing a baseline doctors can use in the future if they grow concerned about recurrence of the cancer. By referencing older scans, doctors can see if changes are occurring and determine whether they are malignant.

People are often concerned about safety with internal radiation therapy, as radiation can cause health problems. The benefits typically outweigh the risks, especially since the radiation is targeted on a specific spot. People who need to travel after receiving therapy may want to get a note from a doctor just in case they or their belongings set off extremely sensitive radiation sensors. This problem should resolve quickly after treatment, but being prepared can make patients feel more comfortable when traveling.