Endobronchial brachytherapy.
Intraluminal endobronchial brachytherapy is a technique in which an encapsulated radioactive source is placed near a tumor for localized irradiation. It is effective, with or without other treatment modalities, in palliating problems caused by endobronchial malignancies, such as dyspnea, hemoptysis, cough, atelectasis, and postobstructive pneumonia. This article describes the different techniques and dosage schemes for brachytherapy, indications and contraindications, reported rates of efficacy and complications, and limitations of the technique.
Department of Radiation Oncology, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA.
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Villanueva
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Lo
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Beamis
D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods; D002283:Carcinoma, Bronchogenic / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage