Unlike external radiation therapy, where beams are directed at the tumor from outside the body, brachytherapy involves placing a radioactive source close to or directly into the tumor using a needle or catheter.
In the case of external beam radiation delivery (linear accelerator), the patient is moved away from the radiation source once the session is over. Also, it is not possible to avoid damage to the nearby tissue while targeting the tumor from an external source.
However, in the case of brachytherapy, the tumor is exposed to radiation for a relatively longer duration, and damage to nearby tissues is also significantly reduced, as the radiation source is closely placed near the tumor.
Designed for accurate and focused cancer treatment, the microSelectron Digital (HDR-V3) assures dependable after-loading and has the world's largest user base.
Its adaptable platform, offering 6, 18, or 30 channels, effectively accommodates diverse brachytherapy requirements, accommodating both patients and healthcare providers.
The digital platform comprises the treatment unit, remote treatment monitoring and control devices, and quality assurance tools.
The treatment unit's forward-stepping source guarantees precise placement of the radioactive source at specified dwell positions, minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure at the treatment channel's tip and enhancing procedure safety.
The source halts at dwell points every 2.5, 5, or 10 mm, determined by clinical choice. Movement is governed by an absolute drive directly impacting the source cable, ensuring sturdy positioning with ± 1 mm accuracy at every dwell spot.
Some of the advantages of Elekta microSelectron Digital are:
The robust construction of the microSelectron Digital's after-loading source ensures up to 25,000 source transfers per source. Consequently, the need for source exchanges and associated quality assurance tests is usually reduced. It is especially advantageous for brachytherapy facilities handling complex patient cases or high patient volumes.
The microSelectron Digital platform offers versatility for various brachytherapy needs. It accommodates both simple treatments with few channels and complex procedures necessitating numerous treatment channels. The adaptable microSelectron Digital platform can be customized to suit the changing requirements of your brachytherapy clinic. Technicians may begin with six treatment channels and expand to 18 or 30 channels as necessary. The platform is adjustable to suit the different procedures performed in a clinical setting. Using the 18 or 30-channel configuration allows for treating large implants, such as advanced interstitial breast or prostate treatments, without the need to reconnect catheters during treatment. In more complex implants, the catheter number in the treatment plan may surpass the physical channels available in the after-loader. Utilizing the sub-fractionation feature in the microSelectron Digital allows for treatments involving as many as 90 catheters.
Customizing a successful brachytherapy procedure to meet individual patient needs requires seamless integration of all treatment components: imaging, applicators, treatment planning, and delivery. The Oncentra® Brachy and Oncentra® Prostate treatment planning systems are tailored for use with the microSelectron® Digital, ensuring an ideal match. Furthermore, the microSelectron Digital platform seamlessly integrates with MOSAIQ and other oncology information systems, supporting DICOM RT and DICOM Unified Worklist compatibility. To achieve precise conformal treatment, diverse ranges of applicators are provided for over 15 types of cancer and various anatomical structures, specifically designed for use with microSelectron Digital. These include anatomies requiring small-curvature treatment catheters, which the source and its cable can accommodate with a radius as small as 13 mm. Keeping patient comfort in focus, the microSelectron Digital treatment unit is equipped with large casters for easy maneuverability to the bedside. Additionally, it features an adjustable indexer to accommodate the desired height, enhancing convenience and accessibility.
The microSelectron® Digital platform can be configured for high-dose-rate (HDR) or pulsed-dose rate (PDR) brachytherapy. It includes the treatment unit with corresponding source containers, the treatment console, radiation monitoring systems, and a range of quality assurance devices.
Brachytherapy is an advanced radiotherapy technique that causes relatively less damage to healthy tissues and facilitates more precise radiation delivery. HCG Cancer Centre has all the advanced facilities required for accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment.
Through brachytherapy with Elekta microSelectron Digital, we at HCG aim to improve the overall outcome of radiation therapy.
Undergoing radiation therapy at HCG benefits cancer patients in many ways. We house advanced treatment technologies that facilitate precise and highly targeted radiation therapy; our radiation oncologists and technologists have received extensive training to deliver patient-centric care to patients; and lastly, we give specialized focus to post-treatment care.
These approaches help us ensure that our patients receive 360-degree care throughout their cancer journey.
Elekta microSelectron Digital comes with relatively fewer side effects as compared to external beam radiation therapy. Patients may experience fatigue or temporary skin irritation. Rarely, severe complications may occur, which are generally limited to the treatment site.
It is important to follow all the instructions provided by radiation oncologists. This will help patients receive information about potential side effects and treatment goals. The radiologists may advise the patients to fast, empty their bladders, and discontinue certain medications before administering brachytherapy.