setup.
Computer radiation dose
calculations are done by the
medical physicist who also
performs machine quality
assurance tests.
After the treatment plan has
been approved by the radiation
oncologist, the applicators are
then connected to the HDR
brachytherapy unit and
treatment is delivered. Each
treatment takes about 30-60
minutes, including treatment
planning time. The actual
radioactive application only
lasts for about 5-15 minutes.
HDR brachytherapy is customised to each patient, so an optimised radiation dose is applied within the
precise contours of the target. The implants are temporary and treatment is given during a few
concentrated sessions lasting minutes to hours as opposed to low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy which
typically requires that the radioactive sources remain in the patient for several days while the patient
stays in the hospital.
Low Dose Rate (LDR) Remote Afterloading Brachytherapy
For some diseases such as
cancers of the cervix, uterus or
vagina, the radiation oncologist
may choose to administer low
dose rate brachytherapy. The
radioactive sources are in the
form of small caesium pellets
which will be delivered
remotely with the transfer unit
into the hollow applicators
which have previously been
inserted into the body cavity by
the radiation oncologist. The
treatment time may last for a
couple of days depending on
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