HDR (High Dose Rate) brachytherapy is a new form of internal radiation.
HDR (High Dose Rate) brachytherapy is a revolutionary new form of internal radiation. Diseased tissue is temporarily exposed to a high radiation dose. Under observation with CT and X-ray equipment, a catheter is guided to the site of the bronchial tumor with a bronchoscope and positioned there.
The other end of this catheter is connected to a computer controlled device. This device sends a small radioactive metal sphere, or seed, through the catheter. The catheter guides the seed to the tumor area. By adjusting the placement time and the position of the seeds, the radiation dose in different parts of the tumor can be controlled.
The main goal of HDR brachytherapy is to deliver short, precisely measured radiation doses to a tumor, in which healthy tissue is exposed to as little radiation as possible. After a series of treatments, the catheter, and with it the radioactive spheres, are removed from the body. Brachytherapy can also be used to treat prostate and breast cancer.
