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High-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy that delivers radiation from implants placed close to, or inside, the tumor(s) in the body.
Because cancer often affects organs and other essential structures, it is important for radiation treatment to be tightly focused on tumors to minimize serious side effects. This technique ensures the maximum radiation dose is given to cancerous tissues while minimizing exposure to the surrounding healthy tissue.
With this form of brachytherapy, tiny, hollow catheters are temporarily inserted directly into a tumor. Before each treatment, we check the position of the catheters with millimeter precision.
Next, a series of radioactive pellets are inserted into each catheter. Computer guidance controls (1) how far the pellet goes into the catheter to precisely target the location of tumors, and (2) how long the pellet stays in the catheter to release its radiation dose.
With a few well-placed catheters, HDR brachytherapy can provide a precise treatment that takes only a few minutes. Brachytherapy offers a quicker, more effective type of radiation treatment for some patients. For many cancer types, the entire brachytherapy treatment takes one to two days, instead of five to seven weeks for external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Depending on the type and stage of cancer, brachytherapy may be combined with other treatments, which can vary treatment times.
To reach a physician for urgent needs after business hours, please call (253) 272-1077. The answering service will take your call and contact the physician on call.
If you are interested in learning more about Tacoma Radiation Oncology Center or would simply like more information about our services, contact us and a member of our team will respond accordingly.
At Tacoma Valley Radiation Oncology Centers we’re passionate about our patients. Our caring and highly trained team will treat you like family while providing you with the most advanced treatment planning and sophisticated, cutting-edge radiation therapies with the highest level of quality and personalized care.
