What is one of the primary complications that brachytherapy aims to minimize?

Brachytherapy is a form of radiation treatment where radioactive sources are placed directly inside or near a tumor. One of the primary goals of this technique is to ensure accurate dose delivery to the target volume while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Inaccurate dose delivery can lead to insufficient radiation to the tumor, potentially allowing for tumor recurrence, or excessive dose to normal tissues, causing additional complications.

By focusing on precise placement of the radioactive source and careful planning, brachytherapy can effectively target the tumor while minimizing damage to adjacent healthy structures. This is essential for achieving optimal treatment outcomes and reducing the risk of side effects associated with radiation therapy.

Minimizing inaccurate dose delivery is crucial for successful cancer treatment, ensuring both the effectiveness of the radiation therapy and the safety of the patient. This focus on precise dosimetry is what makes brachytherapy a valuable option in the radiation oncology field.