Top 10 Brachytherapy Companies Improving Cancer Treatment in 2024

Brachytherapy (also known as internal radiation therapy) is often at the forefront of cancer treatment. This specialized form of internal radiation therapy involves placing radioactive materials directly into or near a tumor, allowing for concentrated radiation delivery. Unlike traditional external radiation therapy, this internal approach offers the advantage of minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissues, thus reducing potential side effects.

According to Kings Research, the global Brachytherapy market is estimated to reach a valuation of $1760.9 million by 2031. This blog discusses the top 10 companies offering brachytherapy categorized based on their global presence.

What is Brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy that is usually used to treat cancer. Radioactive materials such as ribbons, seeds, or capsules are inserted into or near a tumor.

Using a targeted strategy, the radiation exposure of the malignant area can be increased while the surrounding healthy tissue is exposed to as little radiation as possible.

It can be used in two ways:

• temporarily: where the radioactive source is removed from the body after a while.
• permanently: where radioactive seeds are introduced into the body and remain there, losing their radioactivity over time.

It is often used to treat various malignant diseases, e.g., in the head and neck, breast, cervix, and prostate. Additionally, vaginal brachytherapy is a targeted radiation treatment used primarily for gynecological cancers, delivering high doses of radiation directly to the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.

What is the Average Cost for Brachytherapy?

Depending on the region and particular kind of treatment, brachytherapy radiation has varying typical costs. Utilizing brachytherapy for prostate cancer has emerged as a preferred option when compared to other therapies like prostatectomy and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

The cost of brachytherapy is roughly $19,980 for a year of treatment. This therapy is projected to cost about 12,000 euros in some places, including Norway. In general, internal radiation therapy is less costly than external beam radiation therapy, which can run up to approximately $32,000.

Top 10 Brachytherapy Companies

Some of the top 10 companies offering exceptional brachytherapy devices in the world include Eckert & Ziegler, BEBIG, Elekta AB, Theragenics Corp., Becton, Dickinson, and Co., Varian Medical Systems Inc., iCAD Inc., CIVCO Medical Solutions, Sun Nuclear Corp.,  and AngioDynamics Inc. Let’s learn about each company.

1. Eckert & Ziegler

Eckert & Ziegler is a global leader in the manufacture of radioactive isotopes used in internal radiation therapy, particularly for prostate cancer treatments. Recently, the company has focused on enhancing its product portfolio with the introduction of new radioactive sources and treatment planning software to improve patient outcomes.

2. BEBIG

BEBIG specializes in developing and supplying internal radiation therapy systems and sources for various types of cancer. The company has recently innovated by expanding its product line to include the  Mick® TP/TPV Applicator System, GAMMA systems, etc, which allow for more precise delivery of radiation in internal radiation therapy treatments, enhancing treatment effectiveness.

3. Elekta AB

Elekta AB is a prominent provider of radiation therapy solutions, including brachytherapy, and is known for its advanced treatment planning systems. The company launched the new MediTech® software, which improves the accuracy and efficiency of internal radiation therapy treatment planning.

4. Theragenics Corp

Theragenics Corp. focuses on the development and manufacturing of seeds and delivery systems required for cancer treatment. The company has made strides in improving its Strontium-90 eye applicator technology, enhancing its applications in treating ocular tumors.

5. Becton, Dickinson, and Co

Becton, Dickinson, and Co. are involved in the development of medical devices, including internal radiation therapy delivery systems. A recent innovation includes the integration of advanced imaging technology with internal radiation therapy systems to improve the precision of cancer targeting during treatment.

6. Varian Medical Systems Inc

Varian Medical Systems, a leader in cancer treatment technologies, offers a range of brachytherapy solutions. The company’s recent development includes the launch of the ProBeam® proton therapy system, which incorporates capabilities for hybrid internal radiation therapy treatments, providing comprehensive cancer care.

7. iCAD Inc

iCAD Inc. is known for its cancer detection and treatment solutions, including internal radiation therapy technologies. The company has recently advanced its radiation therapy solutions by incorporating AI-driven analytics to enhance treatment planning and patient-specific care in internal radiation therapy.

8. CIVCO Medical Solutions

CIVCO Medical Solutions specializes in developing applicators and accessories. Recently, the company introduced the iGUIDE® system, which enhances the precision of ultrasound-guided internal radiation therapy procedures, leading to improved patient outcomes.

9. Sun Nuclear Corp

Sun Nuclear Corp. provides innovative solutions for radiation therapy quality assurance. The company unveiled advancements in its Quality Assurance software that streamline brachytherapy treatment verification, ensuring higher standards for patient safety.

10. AngioDynamics Inc

AngioDynamics Inc. focuses on minimally invasive medical devices, including those used in internal radiation therapy. The company has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of enhanced Radiofrequency Ablation systems that can be used in conjunction with internal radiation therapy for more comprehensive cancer treatment.

3 Different Types of Implants Used in Brachytherapy

• Low Dose Rate (LDR):

In LDR internal radiation therapy, radioactive implants are placed either inside or very close to the tumor. These implants deliver continuous low doses of radiation over 1 to 7 days, and they are typically left in place permanently.

LDR is predominantly utilized for treating prostate cancer and brain tumors. This method allows for targeted radiation while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, thereby reducing potential side effects.

• High Dose Rate (HDR):

HDR involves inserting a single radioactive source into or near the tumor for a brief period, typically ranging from 10 to 20 minutes. The source is remotely controlled and can be moved through the body to deliver precise doses of radiation.

HDR treatment sessions can vary from twice daily for up to 5 days or once a week for up to 5 weeks. HDR is commonly used for treating cervical, prostate, and head and neck cancers.

• Permanent Implants:

Permanent implants used in internal radiation therapy are small, typically the size of a grain of rice, and they emit radiation continuously until they no longer pose a therapeutic dose. These implants remain in the body indefinitely. This method is commonly used for prostate cancer and some gynecological cancers.

The constant radiation emission helps in achieving a sustained treatment effect, targeting cancer cells while sparing nearby healthy tissues. The American Urological Association notes that permanent implants are advantageous for patients due to their minimal maintenance and the ability to deliver a consistent dose over time.

Takeaway

Brachytherapy stands out as a highly targeted cancer treatment, allowing for precise radiation delivery directly to the tumor site with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissues. Whether using low or high dose rates or employing permanent implants, this approach offers versatile and effective options for various cancer types. The ability to customize treatment duration and intensity further enhances its efficacy, making this type of therapy a cornerstone in modern cancer care.