Role of interstitial brachytherapy in the treatment of malignant disease

Interstitial brachytherapy was first applied using radium needles, with min imum protection of physicians and nurses. Modern techniques involve the use of radionuclide Ir-192 as the source used in computer-controlled remote af terloading machines, which can deliver a high dose rate (HDR). Treatment pl anning is also undertaken with the use of computers and anatomical cross-se ction images using CT, ultrasound and MRI. This review presents these moder n techniques for tumors of a series of body sites: prostate, head and neck, breast, bladder, brain, and for soft-tissue sarcomas. Low dose rate (LDR) interstitial brachytherapy techniques are also included in this review sinc e in some body sites there is a choice between HDR and LDR.