Implants can be used for a variety of gynecologic cancers. They include cancer of the endometrium (uterus), cervix, and vaginal canal. Some of the implants use an intracavitary technique, which uses the body’s natural cavities to allow insertion of radioactive sources. Other implants use an interstitial technique, where radioactive sources are inserted directly into the tumor mass or surrounding tissues using needles.
Gynecologic implants are used alone, with daily radiation treatments, or even with surgery to treat tumors in this area. Devices called high-dose-rate remote afterloading machines (HDR) allow patients to complete brachytherapy treatments quickly, in about 10 to 20 minutes. Powerful radioactive sources travel through small tubes called catheters to the tumor for the amount of time necessary to deliver the prescribed dose. You may be able to go home shortly after the procedure. Depending on the area treated, you may receive several treatments over a number of days or weeks. The use of these HDR treatment techniques allows almost all gynecologic implants to be performed on an outpatient basis.