 
BRONCHOSCOPIC PROGRAM: THERAPEUTIC Endobronchial BrachytherapyThe physicians of the Allegheny Center for Lung and Thoracic Disease were the first in the tri-state area to utilize endobronchial "brachytherapy" as adjunctive management of malignant airway lesions. This therapy is usually used following or in conjunction with "external beam" radiation therapy. The procedure has two main components. A simple bronchoscopic procedure under fluoroscopic guidance is used to direct a special thin tubing into position at the site of the bronchial tumor. This sealed tubing is used as a guide to lead the radiation source into position for treatment of the tumor. The patient is then transported to the Radiation Oncology department where the actual "brachytherapy" is conducted in a specialized treatment area. The whole process takes a few hours and the patient is discharged to home shortly after the procedure. Usually 3 to 4 treatment sessions are used to obtain optimal treatment effect. Other therapies such as endobronchial stenting, endobronchial laser (Nd:YAG or Carbon Dioxide), and/or phtoodynamic therapy can be applied simultaneously or after the brachytherapy has been completed, depending upon the nature of the airway problem.
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