Getting Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy)

Internal radiation is also called brachytherapy. A radioactive implant is put inside the body in or near the tumor. Getting the implant placed is usually a painless procedure. Depending on your type of cancer and treatment plan, you might get a temporary or a permanent implant.

Low-dose-rate brachytherapy

In this approach, the implant gives off lower doses of radiation over a longer period.

Some implants are left in from 1 to a few days and then removed. You’ll probably have to stay in the hospital, sometimes in a special room, during treatment. For larger implants, you might have to stay in bed and lie still to keep it from moving.

Some smaller implants (such as the seeds or pellets) are left in place and never taken out. Over the course of several weeks they stop giving off radiation. The seeds or pellets are about the size of rice grains and rarely cause problems. If your implants are to be left in, you may be able to go home the same day they’re put in. There may be special precautions to take, so be sure to talk to the cancer care team about this.

How will I feel during implant therapy?

You’re not likely to have a lot of pain or feel sick while implants are being put in. The drugs used while they’re being placed might make you feel drowsy, weak, or sick to your stomach, but these side effects don’t last long. If your implant is held in place by an applicator, you may have some discomfort in that area. If you have the kind of implant where you need to be in bed for a few days, you may have aches and pains from being inactive. Ask for medicine to help you relax or to relieve pain if needed. Be sure to tell your cancer care team if you have  burning, sweating, or other symptoms.

What happens after a temporary implant is removed?

In most cases, anesthesia is not needed when the applicator and/or implant is removed. It’s usually done right in your hospital room. The treated area may be sore or tender for some time after treatment, but most people can return to normal activities quickly. Keep in mind that your body is recovering from radiation treatments, and you may need extra sleep or rest breaks over the next few days.

What happens to permanent implants?

The radioactive materials stop giving off radiation over time. It may take weeks or months. Talk to your cancer care team about how long it will take in your case. Once the radiation is gone, the implant(s) are no longer active. They usually stay in place and cause no harm, so there’s no need to take them out.

Will I be radioactive during or after internal radiation treatment?

With internal radiation therapy, your body may give off a small amount of radiation for a short time.

If you have a temporary implant, you’ll be asked to stay in the hospital and might have to limit visitors during treatment. You also may be asked to stay a certain distance away from them. Pregnant women and children might not be allowed to visit you. Depending on the type of implant, once it is removed, your body will likely no longer give off radiation.

Over a few weeks to months, permanent implants will slowly stop giving off radiation. The radiation usually doesn’t travel much farther than the area being treated, so the chances that others could be exposed to radiation is very small. Still, your health care team might ask you to take certain precautions such as staying away from small children and pregnant women, especially right after you get the implants.