What is a key advantage of manual afterloading in radiation therapy?

Manual afterloading in radiation therapy, particularly in brachytherapy, offers the key advantage of enhanced accuracy in catheter placement. This is crucial because the effectiveness of the radiation treatment depends significantly on the precise positioning of the catheters within or near the target tissue. By allowing clinicians to visually assess and adjust the placement based on real-time feedback, manual afterloading minimizes the risk of displacing the catheters before the radiation source is introduced.

This accuracy is vital for ensuring that the maximum dose is delivered to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, ultimately improving treatment outcomes. Catheter positioning must be meticulously controlled, and manual techniques provide the flexibility and responsiveness needed to achieve this goal effectively.