High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy
High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy refers to a type of radiation treatment that involves a very small radioactive source, approx. the size of the tip of a pencil which is connected to a computer-controlled delivery wire, which could be placed through a catheter or other applicator into the target region to be treated. Many types of cancer are treated with HDR.
Airway obstruction caused by malignant tumors is amenable to this type of radiation which is very limited in its depth of penetration (typically up to 1.5 to 2.0 cm). After the surgeon has placed the catheter through a bronchoscope into place in the endoscopy unit, the patient is transferred to the radiation medicine department for planning and treatment delivery. Typically it takes from 5-15 minutes to deliver the treatment after which the radioactive source is withdrawn, the catheter removed and the patient is discharged. This is an outpatient procedure.
Patients do not become radioactive after these procedures and can safely return home without fear of radiation exposure to their loved ones.
Airway obstruction caused by malignant tumors is amenable to this type of radiation which is very limited in its depth of penetration (typically up to 1.5 to 2.0 cm). After the surgeon has placed the catheter through a bronchoscope into place in the endoscopy unit, the patient is transferred to the radiation medicine department for planning and treatment delivery. Typically it takes from 5-15 minutes to deliver the treatment after which the radioactive source is withdrawn, the catheter removed and the patient is discharged. This is an outpatient procedure.
Patients do not become radioactive after these procedures and can safely return home without fear of radiation exposure to their loved ones.