What Are the Benefits of High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy?
High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy is an alternative form of brachytherapy in which a temporary implant is placed for delivery of high doses or radiotherapy over a short period of time. A radioactive seed with high activity is temporarily inserted into an empty catheter or tube to deliver radiation therapy safely to a certain part of the body, sparing more normal tissue than external beam radiation therapy but without leaving any radioactivity in your body once the procedure is completed. This has been particularly helpful in treating certain diseases such as uterine and cervical cancers and has also allowed women needing an implant to have it done as an outpatient rather than be admitted to the hospital.
For selected women, accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) with HDR brachytherapy may be an option that will reduce the time required to complete radiation treatment. Prostate brachytherapy can also be delivered utilizing high dose rate brachytherapy.
Currently, Radiation Oncology Associates performs HDR brachytherapy at the following locations:
Burlington, Dover, Peabody, Manchester
