High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy
Radioactive isotope-based HDR
Radioactive isotope-based High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy involves the use of a highly radioactive source (Iridium) to deliver a dose of radiation rapidly using a remote afterloader machine. HDR is a temporary treatment lasting 10 to 20 minutes depending on the activity of the source and the dose delivered that is administered in the vault. There are multiple cameras to observe the patient while the afterloader machine delivers the Iridium source to the target region. HDR can be performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require an inpatient admission. There are also no ongoing radiation precautions as with Low Dose Rate (LDR) Brachytherapy since this is a temporary procedure. HDR brachytherapy is commonly used for the following malignancies:
- Gynecological cancers (i.e. uterine, cervical, or vaginal)
- Sarcoma
- Esophageal cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Lung Cancer
Electronic Brachytherapy
Cancer Treatment Services Arizona also employs the Axxent® Electronic Brachytherapy, eBx™, System from Xoft, Inc. as an alternative HDR delivery method. The Axxent treatment platform provides a therapeutic dose of radiation directly to the region at risk without the use of radioactive isotopes. The Axxent Source mimics certain characteristics of the most common HDR brachytherapy isotope, 192Ir, but its low energy enables the procedure to be done in a minimally shielded setting under the supervision of a radiation oncologist. This delivery method has been most commonly used in the treatment of breast, endometrial and skin cancers.
