What is a big advantage of brachytherapy compared to traditional radiation therapy?

Brachytherapy offers a significant advantage in terms of reduced treatment time compared to traditional radiation therapy. In brachytherapy, radioactive sources are placed directly inside or very close to the tumor, allowing for a higher dose of radiation to be delivered directly to the cancerous tissue while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. This localized approach enables a more intense radiation dose over a shorter period.

The efficiency of brachytherapy means that patients often require fewer sessions or shorter overall treatment courses compared to external beam radiation therapy, which can span several weeks. This reduction in treatment time not only improves patient convenience but can also enhance overall treatment adherence and outcomes.

While other options in the question might seem advantageous, their implications in the context of brachytherapy don’t provide the same clear-cut improvements in treatment duration as the shortened regimen associated with this method.