Close-range therapy is not a "universal" technology. Its success largely depends on selecting the appropriate disease, in the appropriate location, and using the appropriate tools. Therefore, the development of close-range therapy needles has shown a highly specialized and scenario-oriented characteristic. Depending on different types of cancers, anatomical locations, and treatment purposes, diverse product forms have been derived, forming a precise product matrix.

The particle implantation needles for prostate cancer are a typical example of specialized devices. These needles are usually quite thick (14G-16G) and have extremely high rigidity to meet the requirements of penetrating the prostate capsule and dense glands. The needle tip is extremely sharp and often has an echo-enhancing mark for clear imaging under transrectal ultrasound. The needle handle has clear markings (usually at intervals of 0.5 cm or 1 cm) and direction marks (such as the blue mark corresponding to the inclined direction), facilitating the doctor to precisely control the insertion depth and angle under template guidance. To improve operational efficiency, pre-installed needles have been developed, with absorbable gelatin or collagen plugs pre-positioned at the end of the needle cavity to prevent particles from accidentally falling off during the puncture process, simplifying the intraoperative loading procedure. The accompanying particle chain loading cutter (such as IsoLoader) can quickly and safely prepare custom-length particle chains in a sterile environment, achieving high standardization.

In the field of gynecological oncology, the design of needles focuses on natural orifices and complex pelvic anatomy. For standard intracavitary treatment of cervical cancer, main applicators such as uterine cavity tubes and vaginal oval bodies are used. However, when the tumor invades the periphery of the uterus or the lower part of the vagina, interstitial implantation is required. The designed implantation needles are more slender (such as 17G-19G) and have better flexibility, enabling puncture through the vagina to reach the deep part of the tumor. In recent years, to address recurrent tumors in special anatomical locations (such as recurrence at the uterine fundus), personalized 3D printed curved needle guides and even directly printed curved needles have emerged, achieving precise treatment in areas that traditional straight needles cannot reach.

For the accelerated partial breast irradiation for breast cancer, in addition to the fine needles used in multi-catheter implantation technology, a single-channel balloon catheter is also an important form. Although it is not strictly a "needle", its principle is similar - a source applicator is inserted into the surgical cavity through a puncture channel, and then brachytherapy is performed. This design greatly simplifies the operation and is suitable for cases with regular cavities.

In the treatment of skin cancer or superficial tumors, surface applicators or implant needles are used. The needles are shorter and the operation is closer to that of surgery, aiming to provide high-dose irradiation to superficial lesions.

From the perspective of application scenarios, the products also vary depending on the environment. In the radiotherapy department of large hospitals, the equipment is complete and can perform all complex local treatments. Therefore, a full range and multiple specifications of needles are required, and advanced equipment such as robot-assisted systems may also be equipped. However, in outpatient surgery centers or day treatment centers, the treatments tend to be more standardized in procedures and shorter in duration (such as prostate seed implantation, partial breast irradiation). Thus, there is a greater demand for operationally convenient and highly integrated kits. This situational demand has driven the development of products towards the integrated, ready-to-use direction.

Furthermore, teaching and research institutions serve as the testing grounds for cutting-edge technologies and personalized solutions. They are often the first to come into contact with and utilize innovative products such as 3D-printed custom applicators and new bio-material needles, thereby accumulating clinical evidence for their future widespread adoption.

This high degree of specialization places extremely demanding requirements on manufacturers. Companies like Manners Technology must be able to flexibly respond to the customized needs of various clients (from Arthrex, BD to hospitals across different regions). Whether it's the diameter, length, tip angle, scale markings of the needle, or the ergonomic design of the handle, all of these may need to be adjusted according to specific treatment protocols or the operating habits of doctors. This requires manufacturers not only to have precise processing capabilities but also to have a deep accumulation of clinical knowledge, being able to understand the principles and requirements behind different specialties, and thus transform abstract clinical problems into manufacturable engineering solutions. Ultimately, each specialized close-range treatment needle is a dedicated weapon designed for a specific battlefield. Its goal is to help doctors win every precise annihilation battle in the microscopic war against cancer.