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LDRWhat is Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy (LDR)?Low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation which uses radioactive sources placed into or near cancerous tissue. It may be offered either alone or in combination with external beam radiation to treat and/or relieve symptoms associated with cancer. With LDR brachytherapy, lower doses of radiation are delivered to the targeted site over an extended period of time. How is LDR Brachytherapy delivered?Radioactive sources used in LDR brachytherapy come in the form of small seeds, wires, ribbons and capsules and may be implanted either temporarily or permanently at the tumor site. With temporary implants, the radioactive source is placed for a short amount of time until the appropriate amount of radiation has been delivered, after which the source is withdrawn. Other implants are permanently inserted into or near the tumor tissue, gradually losing their radioactivity over time. The exact placement of the implant will differ for each patient. In general, a hospital stay may be required for positioning of the radiation source alone or placement of an applicator prior to insertion of the radiation source. An applicator is a device that holds the radioactive source in place while the radiation is delivered to the cancer cells. How long will LDR treatment last?Treatment times depend on many factors such as the type, size and location of the cancer. Prior to treatment the radiation oncologist will provide a timeline for the treatment based on the specific details of the patient’s case. What are the side effects associated with LDR Brachytherapy?Brachytherapy is generally well tolerated, and side effects are usually specific to the areas receiving the radiation. There may be some redness and swelling in the area treated. Which types of cancer can be treated with LDR Brachytherapy?
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