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• RTOG Protocols
• Radioactive Implants
• Gynecological Implants
• Eye Plaque Brachytherapy
• Total Skin Electron Therapy
• Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
• Ultrasound Localization of the Prostate
• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

Treatment Options Radioactive Implants

With radioactive implants, radiation sources are placed directly into the tumor or into a body cavity next to the tumor. This technique delivers a high dose to the tumor with minimal irradiation of adjacent healthy tissues. Implants are often used for treating cancers of the eye, cervix, uterus, vagina, prostate, or head and neck.

Radioactive implants are usually performed in the operating room. Following the procedure, the patient is x-rayed for dose computation. In some situations, the radioactive sources are left in place permanently and the radioactivity dies out on its own. In other situations, the sources are removed after a few days. Most patients are required to stay in the hospital while the implant is in place.