Low Dose Rate (LDR) Brachytherapy
In Low Dose Rate (LDR) Brachytherapy, radioactive sources of low activity are placed in the bed of tumors at the time of surgical resection. These sources are embedded in materials that the body can incorporate over time in the surgical bed to decrease the chance of recurrence at the site of surgery. The radiation treatment is delivered to a very limited volume of the target tissue over several days, typically 2-3 months at a low dose rate.
The radioactive sources decay with time and become inactive. This type of application is usually recommended (currently on research study only) when sub-standard or limited surgical resection of cancer is mandated by the patient's poor lung reserve who would not tolerate more extensive or standard cancer surgery.
The radioactive sources decay with time and become inactive. This type of application is usually recommended (currently on research study only) when sub-standard or limited surgical resection of cancer is mandated by the patient's poor lung reserve who would not tolerate more extensive or standard cancer surgery.