Review of brachytherapy complications - Upper gastrointestinal tract

Brachytherapy. 2021 Sep-Oct;20(5):1005-1013. doi: 10.1016/j.brachy.2020.11.010. Epub 2020 Dec 23.

Abstract

While brachytherapy applications are not widely used for cancer diagnoses in the upper GI tract (including the esophagus, liver, stomach, and pancreas), they have a clear role in palliation and symptom management and occasionally definitive locoregional treatment. With the increasing use of image-guided techniques, the incidence of side effects and complications has shown to be lower than many other alternative treatment modalities, making brachytherapy approaches a preferred treatment option. This review examines procedural complications and acute and chronic adverse effects from radiation associated with esophageal, hepatobiliary, and pancreatic brachytherapy and their management.

Keywords: Biliary brachytherapy; Complications; Endoluminal brachytherapy; Esophageal brachytherapy; Intraluminal brachytherapy; Liver brachytherapy; Pancreatic brachytherapy; Toxicity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brachytherapy* / methods
  • Deglutition Disorders*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / complications
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / radiotherapy
  • Humans
  • Palliative Care
  • Upper Gastrointestinal Tract*