American Brachytherapy Society

Featuring:Beth Erickson, MDAkila Viwanathan, MDHost:Matt Harkenrider, MDDr. Beth Erickson and Dr. Akila Viswanathan, both former presidents of the American Brachytherapy Society, recently co-authored a Red Journal editorial entitled “Out from the Shadows and Into the Spotlight:  Making Gynecologic Brachytherapy Available and Sustainable for Patients and Providers."  In this episode of the ABS podcast, they join Dr. Matthew Harkenrider to discuss the evolving complexities of GYN brachytherapy and some strategies on how to be successful and fulfilled in a team-based approach while highlighting the importance of advocacy for this life-saving therapy.  Don't forget the donuts!

Dr. Oliver Sartor, one of the leading voices in advanced prostate cancer and radiopharmaceutical therapy, joins the ABS BrachyBites Podcast to discuss radioligand therapy and its growing impact on the field. We explore patient selection, sequencing, and how radioligands build on the same precision-focused principles that have long defined brachytherapy—offering a look at the future of targeted radiation in prostate cancer.

In this episode of Brachy Bites, Dr. Agarwal interviews Dr. Michael Garcia who breaks down the clinical problem that GammaTile was designed to solve: the vulnerability of the postoperative treatment gap in brain tumor care. From the limitations of standard postoperative SRS to the biology of rapid early recurrence, we explore how immediate, surgically targeted cesium-131 brachytherapy is reshaping local control in brain metastases and glioblastoma. Dr. Garcia discusses patient selection, preoperative planning, workflow, and barriers to adoption. We also unpack the ROADS interim data demonstrating a reduction in recurrence or death versus postoperative SRS. If confirmed, could this redefine standard of care for operable brain metastases? This conversation explores the evidence, the biology, and what comes next for CNS brachytherapy.

To recognize cervical cancer awareness month, Dr. Junzo Chino and Dr. Elizabeth Kidd join Dr. Matthew Harkenrider to discuss their recent manuscript entitled "The American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) consensus guidance for hybrid intracavitary interstitial brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer."  As renowned experts in advanced GYN brachytherapy, Drs. Chino and Kidd share their experiences and guidance for best practices in hybrid IC/IS cervical cancer brachytherapy.  Their approaches are practical and achievable so that the evolving GYN brachytherapy program can thrive.

Dr. Parag Sanghvi, Professor of Radiation Oncology from UC San Diego, joins Dr. Matt Harkenrider on this episode of the ABS podcast to discuss all things skin brachytherapy. As a renowned brachytherapist, Dr Sanghvi shares his wealth of experience in an approachable way. From starting a new program to advanced skin applications, Dr. Sanghvi covers it all.

Dr. Grgur Miric joins the ABS Podcast to reflect on the evolution of prostate brachytherapy, the lessons of high-volume practice, and how he combined cancer care with community impact through basketball and mentorship.

In our inaugural International Spotlight, Dr. Hathal Haddad of University Hospital Tübingen discusses advances in prostate brachytherapy — from prostate artery embolization (PAE) to AI-assisted workflows. A leader in interventional radiotherapy, he shares how his team is shaping the future of precision care in Germany and beyond.

Dr. Manuj Agarwal joins the ABS Podcast for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to discuss life after prostate cancer treatment, minimizing ADT side effects, and optimizing long-term health. He shares insights from thousands of cases and his work in integrative oncology and longevity medicine.

As presented on June 20, 2025 at the ABS Annual ConferenceLive from the ABS,  Dr. Cate Yashar and Dr. Mitch Kamrava as brachytherapy thought leaders join Dr. Matt Harkenrider for a lively discussion spanning a range of topics about the future of brachytherapy.  We discuss how to work at an institutional level to develop and advocate for a brachytherapy program and then how, we as a specialty, need to teach, research, and innovate for brachytherapy of the future.  The future of brachytherapy is bright!

Dr. Elizabeth Kidd and Dr. Santino Butler are co-primary authors of the recent manuscript entitled “Image guided cervical brachytherapy practice patterns: 2023/2024 survey of the American Brachytherapy Society” that was recenlty published in the Brachytherapy Journal.  In this episode, we discuss how the landscape of cervical cancer brachytherapy has evolved in the last decade including some provocative thoughts where we are heading in the coming years.  Drs Kidd and Butler also go beyond just practice patterns and give some insights into best practices in the management of cervical cancer patients.

In this episode of the American Brachytherapy Society podcast, we sit down with Michael Krachon, President of Theragenics International, and Lory Bradley, a seasoned industry expert with decades of experience in prostate brachytherapy. Together, they reflect on the evolution of the field—from the early days of seed implants to modern-day innovations and challenges.Michael shares insights from his long career in the prostate seed business, highlighting the pivotal role of physician partnerships, the rise and fall of brachytherapy utilization, and the path forward for restoring its prominence in prostate cancer care. Lory offers additional perspective on the clinical and logistical advancements that have shaped practice patterns over time.Whether you're a clinician, trainee, or industry partner, this episode provides valuable historical context, practical wisdom, and a hopeful outlook for the future of LDR brachytherapy.

On this episode of the ABS Podcast, Dr. Gita Suneja and Dr. Cristina DeCesaris join Dr. Harkenrider to discuss the quality of life and financial analyses of the SAVE trial. The SAVE trial randomized patients to a 2 fraction regimen vs a standard of care regimen of VBT with an emphasis on pragmatic design and inclusive enrollment to measure patient centered outcomes.  Join our lively discussion on trial design and creating treatment options that matter for patients!

In this episode of the American Brachytherapy Society podcast, Dr. Alexandra Stewart, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at the Royal Surrey, discusses the evolving role of rectal brachytherapy in non-operative management of rectal cancer. Drawing from her expertise and international experience, Dr. Stewart explores key findings from the OPERA trial, patient selection criteria, dosing strategies, and the latest advancements in contact X-ray brachytherapy (CXB) techniques. She also highlights the impact of treatment protocols on clinical outcomes and future directions, including insights into the TRESOR trial. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on how brachytherapy is shaping the future of rectal cancer care.

In this episode, our guests Dr. Supriya Chopra and Dr. Remi Nout discuss BioEMBRACE and the evolving landscape of biomarkers in locally advanced cervical cancer. As thought leaders in the field, Drs. Chopra and Nout give their insights on the future of biomarker-driven therapy in cervical cancer with a continued emphasis on high quality brachytherapy as we move in this direction. 

In this episode of the ABS podcast, Dr. Matthew Harkenrider sits down with Dr. Kathy Han from Princess Margaret Hospital and University of Toronto to discuss her recent manuscript entitled “Clinical Outcomes of 3 Versus 4 Fractions of Magnetic Resonance Image-Guided Brachytherapy in Cervical Cancer."  They discuss the decision making of dose-fractionation regimens that fit the resources available at a given center and the challenges that accompany the management of cervical cancer patients.  Additionally, they discuss best practices in cervical cancer brachytherapy and procedural and planning techniques to optimize patient outcomes. 

In this episode of the ABS podcast, Dr. Manuj Agarwal and Dr. Rebecca Krc dive into the transformative 300 in 10 initiative, a groundbreaking effort by the American Brachytherapy Society to reverse declining brachytherapy utilization. Dr. Agarwal provides an overview of the initiative’s origins, the ABS Board of Directors’ 10-year vision, and the program’s goals to train 30 competent brachytherapy teams annually through a comprehensive approach. Dr. Krc shares her personal journey with the initiative, reflecting on her experiences as a participant and how the program has prepared her to overcome barriers to establishing a successful brachytherapy practice. Together, they discuss the program’s role in addressing gaps in training caused by low institutional brachytherapy volume and its potential to shape the future of the field.  Learn more and apply for the fellowship: https://www.americanbrachytherapy.org/resources/fellowships/300-in-10-2-month-fellowship/

Host:Dr. Manuj AgarwalCo-Founder, Prostate Cancer Institute of America Guest:Dr. Aman Taggar, MDRadiation Oncologist, Odette Cancer Center, Sunnybrook Health Science CenterTwitter/X: @dramantaggar In this episode, Dr. Manuj Agarwal interviews Dr. Aman Taggar about the ASCENDE-SBRT trial, a study comparing SBRT and brachytherapy as boost techniques for intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer. The trial builds on the ASCENDE-RT study, with a focus on refining treatment plans, including considerations for focal boost and androgen deprivation. Dr. Taggar explains the reasoning behind including both LDR and HDR brachytherapy in the trial and shares insights into the use of I-125 and Pd-103 isotopes in the LDR arm. Key Discussion Points: Differences between ASCENDE-RT and ASCENDE-SBRT. Focal boost techniques and treatment margin considerations. The inclusion of both LDR and HDR brachytherapy and the potential impact on data. For more information on the PR.24 trial discussed in this episode, visit the PR.24 trial page.

We sat down with Vratislav Strnad and discussed the plenary session at the World Congress exploring the 10 year update of the GEC-ESTRO trial comparing whole breast irradiation versus accelerated partial breast irradiation using multicatheter brachytherapy

JC Cheng is a Brachytherapy fellow under Dr. Juanita Crook at Univeristy of British Columbia. We discussed the plenary session at the World Congress that explored LDR vs HDR boost for combination therapy in unfavorable and high risk prostate cancer.

Dr. Memory shares her experience in developing and growing this vital program in Botswana as a plenary session at the World Congress of Brachytherapy in Washington DC.

We sat down with Dr. Greg Merrick to discuss his randomized trial presented as a plenary session at the World Congress of Brachytherapy in Washington DC.

Join Dr. Jessica Huang from the University of Utah and her guests, Dr. Ann Klopp from MD Anderson and Dr. Natalya Morrow from Medical College of Wisconsin, in a new episode of the ‘Good Catch’ podcast. This episode features a dynamic discussion around three distinct cases highlighting the crucial role of visualization in brachytherapy. The cases include an Accuboost APBI case with unique challenges, a needle docking issue in a Venezia case, and a tandem displacement in a Fletcher CT/MR set. The panel will discuss the complexities of these cases and the lessons learned. Tune in for an engaging conversation that underscores the importance of visualization in brachytherapy.

Join Dr. Jessica Huang from the University of Utah and her guests, Dr. Jay Shelton from Emory University, and Arjit Baghwala from Houston Methodist Hospital, as they engage in a dynamic discussion involving two distinct brachytherapy errors concerning catheter or needle lengths. In this episode, the panel discusses the potential pitfalls associated with needle or catheter insertions, while also sharing valuable insights into preventive measures. Tune in for a lively conversation on enhancing safety in brachytherapy practices. 

Are you interested in learning more about intraoperative radiation therapy and its role in the management of malignancies? Then you won't want to miss the latest podcast featuring Chirag Shah, MD and Arash Naghavi, MD discussing this important topic. Join these two physicians as they review ABS guidelines while delving into the specifics of IORT and how it can improve patient outcomes. Don't miss this opportunity to listen in on a great conversation between two experienced medical professionals!

Join Dr. Chirag Shah and his guest, Dr. Andrew Hoover from the University of Kansas Medical Center as they discuss key indications for gynecologic brachytherapy. Drs. Shah and Hoover review the role of brachytherapy for cervical cancer as well as the use of brachytherapy for endometrial cancer following surgery as well as for non-operable patients.

Join Dr. Daniel G. Petereit and Dr. Peter J. Rossi on how to communicate the value of brachytherapy to your community!

Dr. Peter Rossi interviews Andrew Bright from C4 Imaging in our new BrachyBites podcast series.

Join ABS President Ann Klopp, MD, PhD of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Kari Tanderup, PhD of Aaruhus University Hospital in Denmark as they discuss how the EMBRACE studies are impacting brachytherapy. Listen as Dr. Tanderup talks about her team’s involvement with coordinating large international studies and setting new international standards for radiotherapy and cervix cancer.

Dr. Patricia Eifel sits down to share her incredible story with the new President of the ABS, Dr. Ann Klopp, Associate Professor, Director of Radiation Oncology Gynecological Services and Center Medical Director, COVID Vaccine Clinic at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.