3D-HDR Brachytherapy

“Brachy" is from the greek derivative meaning "short distance". Thus, brachytherapy is a treatment where the source of radiation (typically, a radioactive seed) is placed within or adjacent to tissues at risk of harboring cancer cells. The treatment is very targeted and delivers a highly precise radiation dose only in close proximity to the source. When surgically placed within the body or organ, the radiation is delivered from the inside out thereby sparing healthy nearby tissues.

In contrast to LDR (‘low-dose rate”) permanent seed implants for prostate cancer in which 75 to 100 seeds may be used, a single high dose rate (HDR) source is usually attached to the end of a wire or cable. The wire is placed inside or next to the tumor via a catheter or applicator that have previously been placed in the patient for a short amount of time, typically a few minutes to create the required radiation dose distribution. By varying the position and dwell time, the dose can be neatly sculpted to provide a dose geometry conforming to the shape of the target.

The radiation dose and distribution of the radiation is calculated to exactly match the size and shape of the tumor. This ensures that the whole of the tumor receives the correct radiation dose, while also preventing unnecessary radiation to surrounding tissues. A course of therapy can be completed in less time than other radiotherapy techniques, typically 1 to 5 days with minimal recovery times thereby allowing patients to get back to their everyday life sooner. This highly-targeted method is often used to treat breast, gynecologic, lung, skin and prostate cancers.