A new method of treating cancer — brachytherapy — has been introduced at the Oncology Centre of St Panteleimon Hospital, which is part of the First Medical Association of Lviv. This expands the range of modern types of radiotherapy available to patients in Lviv.
Brachytherapy involves delivering a high dose of ionising radiation directly to the tumour or in immediate proximity to it. Unlike conventional external beam radiotherapy, where the radiation is directed at the lesion from outside the body, here the radiation source is placed inside the body. This makes it possible to target the tumour precisely and minimise exposure of surrounding healthy organs and tissues.
This approach enables highly accurate damage to the DNA of cancer cells, causing them to lose the ability to divide and spread. According to doctors, combining brachytherapy with the radiotherapy techniques already in use can significantly increase the effectiveness of treatment for malignant tumours.
The method is used primarily to treat patients with gynaecological and urological cancers, in particular cervical, endometrial and prostate cancer. Brachytherapy is also used for non-melanoma skin cancers, malignant tumours of the tongue, lip and oral cavity, as well as cancers of the oesophagus and rectum.
“Brachytherapy is used effectively, first and foremost, to treat patients with gynaecological and urological cancers: cervical, endometrial and prostate cancer. This method is also employed to fight non-melanoma skin cancers, malignant tumours of the tongue, lip and oral cavity, and cancers of the oesophagus and rectum,” — Oleh Samchuk
At the First Medical Association of Lviv, patients receive a full cycle of care for oncological conditions: from laboratory diagnostics to surgical interventions, chemo- and radiotherapy. Brachytherapy has now become part of this comprehensive approach. The treatment plan and radiation dose are calculated individually, taking into account the tumour's location and the specific course of the disease.
The management of the medical facility emphasises that the introduction of this new method is the next stage in the development of the Oncology Centre and in expanding treatment options for patients with malignant tumours.
At the end of 2023, the First Medical Association of Lviv opened a modern Radiotherapy Centre for cancer patients, which provides a complete treatment pathway within a single hospital — from diagnostics to surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
In addition, next to the First Medical Association, where the Oncology Centre operates, there are plans to build a separate residence for people who come to Lviv for chemotherapy or other stages of cancer treatment. The housing will be constructed using modern Japanese modular technology, and the surrounding area will be designed in line with universal accessibility principles.