In afterloading therapy (also called intracavity brachytherapy) the radioactive source is inserted into a natural cavity in the immediate vicinity of the tumor or the treatment field. An applicator or catheter is first inserted into the cavity, the radioactive source is then automatically moved into the applicator and radiation is emitted. After the procedure the radioactive source and its applicator are removed automatically. The dose diminishes steeply around the treatment field so that the surrounding tissue is minimally affected.

We use an Iridium-192-source for our afterloading equipment. This radionuclide has a high dose-efficiency, enabling short exposures of just a few minutes.

We irradiate gynecological tumors of the uterus, cervix and vagina. After external beam radiation, afterloading therapy is used to saturate the local radiation dose and healthy adjacent tissue is minimally affected. Afterloading is also used as adjuvant (additional) radiotherapy after surgical removal of the uterus in order to reduce the risk of recurrence. We collaborate with specialists of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Schwabing Hospital.

We also use this procedure to achieve local dose saturation in esophageal tumors. Here we are supported by colleagues of the Department for General-, Visceral and Thorax surgery at Schwabing Hospital.