A WOMAN in her 70s suffering from cervical cancer recently received successful three-dimensional brachytherapy with the help of doctors and paramedics from Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Shenzhen Center, marking the first case of its kind to be treated in the city, sznews.com reported Monday.

The operation showed that the Shenzhen center has more advanced medical conditions for radiotherapy since the introduction of a linear accelerator, the report said. Wang Luhua, director of the Shenzhen center, explained that with the medical equipment, patients can have their tumors removed without killing too much of the normal surrounding tissue.

Ten months ago, the woman, surnamed Chi, experienced vaginal bleeding with increasing secretions. However, she did not go to a hospital for an examination. Two months ago, she was diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer after suffering another episode of vaginal bleeding.

Chi’s family finally decided to come to Shenzhen for the treatment after learning that Shenzhen has one of the best medical resources for cancer treatment in the province.

With the cooperation of medical personnel, a source applicator was successfully placed in Chi’s body to locate the tumor. Eight minutes and 43 seconds later, the tumor was controlled.

Three-dimensional brachytherapy is widely believed to be more accurate, safe and reliable at treating cervical cancer, and with fewer side effects, as it allows a sealed radiation source to enter the area requiring treatment given that the womb has a natural space without any key organs. This method is also commonly used in the treatment of other diseases, including breast and skin cancer, the report said.

According to the report, 60 to 70 percent of patients with malignant tumors require radiotherapy. With the adoption of linear accelerators and three-dimensional brachytherapy, residents in Shenzhen or surrounding cities can receive treatment in the city. (Wang Jingli)