This minimally invasive radiation involves a sealed implant that delivers a high amount of radiation directly to the tumor, with little impact on healthy surrounding tissue. Brachytherapy is used to treat prostate, lung, gynecological, and head and neck cancers.

The GliaSite® Radiation Therapy System is a method of brachytherapy used at Piedmont following surgical removal of a brain tumor. An uninflated balloon catheter is inserted into the cavity left by the tumor that was removed. The other end of the catheter runs just under the patient's scalp. The balloon is filled with Iotrex™, a radioactive liquid solution that is visible on a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, which allows the physician to verify that the balloon fits within the cavity left by the removed tumor. The physician inserts the Iotrex into the catheter, which inflates the balloon, delivering radiation to the edges of the tumor cavity and targeting precise regions where cancer cells frequently remain. The Iotrex stays in the catheter until the prescribed dose of radiation therapy is delivered, typically three to seven days. The surgeon then retrieves the solution and removes the catheter during a brief surgical procedure.

Advantages of brachytherapy:

• The radiation is placed in the area most likely to contain remaining cancer cells.
• Minimal healthy brain tissue is exposed to radiation.
• When used with standard external beam radiotherapy (EBR), it improves the result of standard therapies.
• Hospitalization and treatment are usually completed within a week.