TECHNIQUE OF BRAQUITERAPIA IS SET UP FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MAGALLANES

The brachytherapy of the Greek "Brachys" (near) is a radiotherapy with use of sealed radioactive sources that come into direct contact with the tumor. In HCM, the brachytherapy project, funded by the regional government, addresses the need to avoid the transfer of patients with cervical cancer and the endometrium who, to complete their treatment, must go to Valdivia hospital. , violation of deadlines and family / social uprooting. In addition, it reaches a 100% coverage and establishes HCM as an independent health facility in the treatment of cervical cancer and endometrial cancer.

In Chile, almost all radiotherapy centers have this type of technique, which also makes it possible to treat a number of other types of cancer as another therapeutic alternative for curing or relieving cancer patients.

"Brachytherapy is part of the radiotherapy treatment and the difference is that teletherapy is given a linear accelerator with photons and electrons something much more sophisticated and brachytherapy with a radioactive isotope which is in this case a radioactive source (…) we will finally be able to treat patients here that marks an important milestone because before patients had to travel to finish their radiotherapy treatment and it is very difficult for them and the family ", said Dr. Moyra Durán Cuevas, radiation oncologist, head of HCM radiotherapy unit.

The unit currently has a multidisciplinary team consisting of a radiation oncologist, a medical physicist, two medical technologists, a nurse, an engineer, a radiotherapy technician and a secretary, who provides a comprehensive and non-independent care plan by specialty. This radiotherapy team takes into account all needs, medical, physical and emotional support, as well as other factors that may affect the patient with the specific objective of addressing all aspects of cancer and cancer. Address problems even before their physical appearance.

This important step is taking place as part of the anniversary week of the Radiotherapy Unit, which also includes preventive interviews on various oncology pathologies by specialist physicians. The community is invited to participate from Tuesday, July 10 to Friday, July 13 at 9:30 am in the waiting room of the unit located on the 1st floor of the health center