Procedures

High Dose Rate Brachytherapy is a very specialized form of radiation treatment that involves the temporary placement of a tiny radioactive source (Iridium192), into the center of a tumor. The procedure involves placing a hollow tube into the tumor similar to that of a Low Dose Rate procedure. However, treatment is given over the period of 10-20 minutes employing highly radioactive Iridium. A concentrated dose of radiation is delivered to the tumor, while sparing much of the surrounding healthy tissue. Common sites that are often treated using HDR are lung, head and neck, extremities for sarcoma, gynecological cancers, prostate and breast using the MammoSite® procedure.

Depending on the treatment area, some form of anesthesia may be required for the tube placement. Digital images are taken, pinpointing the exact location of the tube within the tumor. These images are viewed at the treatment planning workstation where each individual treatment is designed, unique to the size and location of the tumor. The inserted tube is connected to the HDR machine by a transfer tube. The machine then directs the source through the tubes where it dwells in designated locations within the tumor according to the treatment plan. When the treatment is completed, the source retracts into the machine. The tube(s) can be removed and the patient is discharged.

This procedure is most often performed on an out patient basis and usually involves 3-5 treatments over the course of several days.