What Is HDR Brachytherapy?

HDR brachytherapy is a powerful, internally delivered radiation modality that destroys many types of cancers. These include various skin cancers, cervical cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer. HDR brachytherapy can be used either as a standalone treatment or to eliminate any remaining cancerous cells after a tumor has been surgically removed. By placing radioactive material “seeds” directly inside or next to the tumor, brachytherapy allows us to use a higher total dose of radiation to treat smaller areas in less time than is possible with external-beam radiation treatment. Brachytherapy is also called internal radiation therapy.