Dr. Tatyana RabinLeading specialist in the radiation therapy department
The radiation therapy department in the oncology department of Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv has received a new advanced device called "HDR-BRAVOS" from Varian International. The new device will allow the team of doctors to perform more precise planning. Advanced quality control systems and accuracy of procedure execution enable monitoring and tracking the location of the source at every point, ensuring compliance between the planning system and practical execution.
New technologies – new service at the medical center
With the implementation of the new technology, a brachytherapy service has been opened at Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv, led by Dr. Tatyana Rabin, a physician with extensive experience in these treatment methods.
“A significant advantage of this type of treatment is that it allows directing high-dose radiation to the tumour itself, with almost no scattering of radiation to surrounding tissues. Due to the intensity of the radioactive source and its short range of action, it is possible to increase the radiation dose to the tumour, thereby significantly improving success rates and chances of cure,” explains Dr. Rabin.
Applications of the new technology
Initially, this service will be provided to patients with gynecological tumours, but in the future, it will be expanded to other areas.
Treatment is performed by inserting a special applicator into the vagina, which contains a device for delivering radiation. The treatment is conducted under spinal anesthesia, so the patient feels nothing.
The procedure takes only a few minutes and, as mentioned above, significantly increases the chances of recovery for patients.
According to Dr. Rabin, the capabilities of the device are numerous and varied, and in the future, the service will also be expanded to other areas, such as prostate cancer and other tumours.
Brachytherapy is an essential part of radiation therapy for patients with cervical cancer. This treatment typically combines external radiation, chemotherapy, and brachytherapy.
Treatment for patients with cervical lesions will be conducted under anesthesia weekly, totaling 4-5 times.
Some patients with gynecological tumours who have undergone surgery need to undergo brachytherapy directed at the tumour bed; this treatment does not require anesthesia and is performed weekly, up to 3 times, sometimes in combination with external radiation.
Patients are invited for a consultation with Dr. Rabin to make a treatment decision; timelines and necessary preparations will be determined based on the specific case. Subsequently, if necessary, consultations with nursing staff and an anesthesiologist will be conducted.