Plaque Brachytherapy in Kerala: MCC’s Vision-Saving Breakthrough
The Malabar Cancer Centre (Post Graduate Institute of Oncology Sciences and Research) [MCC (PGIOSR)], Thalassery, has marked a significant advancement in ocular oncology with the successful introduction of plaque brachytherapy, a highly specialized, globe-preserving radiation therapy for eye tumors. This achievement represents a major step forward in making advanced eye cancer treatment accessible within Kerala’s government healthcare sector, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the state for care.
Plaque brachytherapy is a form of localized radiation therapy used for the treatment of tumors of the eye. Over the years, the management of intraocular tumors has evolved from traditional enucleation (removal of the eyeball) to more advanced, vision-sparing techniques aimed at preserving both the eye and vision. This modality can be used for intraocular tumors such as uveal melanoma and retinoblastoma, as well as for ocular surface tumors, particularly following surgical excision, to reduce the risk of recurrence.
At MCC(PGIOSR), 10 patients have been successfully treated so far, demonstrating both the safety and effectiveness of this advanced modality in a public-sector setting. The procedures have been carried out using the indigenous Ruthenium-106 plaque developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), which significantly reduces treatment costs compared to imported alternatives, thereby improving affordability.
In India, plaque brachytherapy is currently available in only a limited number of centres, and this achievement makes MCC(PGIOSR) the first centre in Kerala and among the few government institutions in the country to offer this service. This milestone reflects strong multidisciplinary collaboration between ocular oncology, radiation oncology, radiation physicists, anesthesia teams, and dedicated nursing and technical staff, ensuring precision, safety, and optimal patient outcomes.
With the introduction of plaque brachytherapy, MCC(PGIOSR) continues to advance its mission of delivering organ-preserving, vision-saving, and cutting-edge cancer care, ensuring that high-quality, affordable treatment is accessible to all sections of society.
