B'lore to host National Branchytherapy Update 2006

Bangalore, May 19: The National Branchytherapy Update 2006, a two-day seminar, will be held here from May 20 to throw light on the latest advances in Branchytherapy, a procedure under which radioactive material was placed directly into or near the cancer.

Bangalore Institute of Oncology (BIO), a leading healthcare institution in Oncology, would be hosting the event, BIO Director Ramesh S Bilimagga told reporters here today.

He said ''Branchytherapy'' was a mode of radiation used for treating cancer patients in a more conformal and precise way. ''The practice in India is changing from manual after loading to remote high dose rate after loading system, which totally eliminates radiation on medical and paramedical personnel. The treatment is convenient and can be given on an outpatient basis.'' BIO Vice Chairman and Managing Director Ganesh Naik said the use of imaging sciences and IT had revolutionised the cancer treatment technique. Branchytherapists from India had made a good name in this field not only in the country but also abroad, he added.

UNI