What Is a Brachytherapy Afterloader Used For?

During brachytherapy, the care team places an applicator in a planned position. The afterloader stores the radioactive source in a shielded unit and sends it through a narrow guide tube into the applicator. It can move the source to selected positions and return it to the unit after treatment.

This allows radiation to be concentrated close to the target while the applicator and treatment plan help limit exposure to nearby healthy tissue. The exact applicator, source movement, and treatment schedule depend on the body area and cancer plan.

Ask whether the applicator will be placed while you are awake, sedated, or under anaesthesia, and how long it will remain in position. Follow instructions about food, drink, medicines, and transport. Tell staff if the applicator feels displaced, if you have new bleeding, or if pain changes suddenly. The team controls the afterloader from outside the treatment room.

Contact the treatment team for heavy bleeding, worsening pain, fever, unusual discharge, or an applicator that appears to move. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, fainting, or sudden severe pain. Follow the discharge instructions because warning signs vary with the treatment site.

Where will the applicator be placed? Will the source be inserted for one session or several? What will I feel during placement? What restrictions apply after the applicator is removed?