Recent Advances at Hospital del Mar: Innovations and Successes

Hospital del Mar has made a significant advancement in the fight against cancer by incorporating high-complexity interstitial brachytherapy into its Radiation Oncology Service. This innovative technique complements conventional methods and is designed for the curative treatment of tumors in various locations, including the breast, prostate, head and neck, skin, and cervix.

Brachytherapy is characterized by its ability to deliver radiation more precisely, directing treatment straight to the tumor and reducing the risk of damage to surrounding healthy organs and tissues. Dr. Cristina Gutiérrez, head of the Radiation Oncology Service, emphasized the importance of having a multidisciplinary team, consisting of doctors, nurses, physicists, and radiation therapy technicians, to effectively carry out this technique.

The first patients treated with this technology include cases of high-risk prostate tumors and early-stage breast tumors, which are being analyzed in the context of a European trial. During the procedures, plastic tubes are placed at the tumor site, allowing for partial irradiation to be administered in a single day. This approach not only results in greater comfort for patients but is also less invasive.

Furthermore, brachytherapy has begun to be applied in cases of head and neck tumors, where traditional surgical solutions can be particularly aggressive. To date, several lip and tongue tumors have been successfully treated. In the case of cervical cancer, new applicators have been introduced that enhance dosing while minimizing exposure to sensitive organs like the rectum and bladder.

So far, a total of 17 high-complexity brachytherapy procedures have been performed at Hospital del Mar. This technique aims not only to improve patients’ cure rates but also to enhance their quality of life by ensuring more effective preservation of the affected organs. For those who require multiple sessions, hospitalization is being considered as an option to provide adequate care during treatment.