Brachytherapy

What is Brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy is a procedure that involves placing radioactive material inside your body. It is sometimes called internal radiation. It allows the physician to deliver a more targeted dose of radiation to a specific area of the body compared to the conventional form of radiation therapy (external beam radiation).

Brachytherapy can be used alone or in conjunction with other cancer treatments such as external beam radiation.

What cancers are treated with radiation therapy?

UVA treats several types of cancer with brachytherapy including:

What are common side effects of Brachytherapy?

Side effects of brachytherapy are specific to the area being treated. Because the treatment is so focused, the radiation is delivered to a small treatment area which is the only area affected.

Side effects depend on the area being treated.

What is Telemedicine?

The Department of Radiation Oncology at UVA is dedicated to serving the needs of our patients in the Shenandoah Valley and Appalachian region who may be concerned with the time or costs associated with traveling to Charlottesville for initial consultations and follow-up visits. As UVA is committed to providing quality cancer care for all patients, we are in the process of initiating a telemedicine program with a special focus on expanding cervical cancer treatment to patients in southwest Virginia.

Telemedicine gives patients the ability to have face-to-face consultations or follow-up visits with a board-certified UVA Radiation Oncologist before and after brachytherapy treatment. UVA has partnered with primary care clinics throughout Virginia, which allows patients to utilize modern telecommunication technology in order to discuss their cancer treatment just by visiting their primary care provider. Looking for a second opinion? This technology would allow you to consult a UVA radiation oncologist without even having to travel outside of your home region.

Generally speaking, the telemedicine program is available to all brachytherapy patients who may be hindered by travel distances to and from Charlottesville. We encourage you to call or email the Department of Radiation Oncology in order to determine your eligibility.

UVA Department of Radiation Oncology Contact Information:

Phone – (434) 982-6278

Email – CT9NW@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu or TNS3B@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu