Page 34 - Brachytherapy

L O W D O S E R A T E ( L D R )

using dose rate at 0.4 Gy/h - 2.0 Gy/h

LDR is a powerful form of internally delivered radiation

therapy that destroys many types of cancers including

cervical, esophageal, head and neck and lung, but it is

most often used to treat prostate cancer. With LDR

brachytherapy, the radioactive sources are positioned

inside or immediately adjacent to the tumor for a

minimum of several days but may be left in position

permanently.

It is targeted only at the site of the tumour so the

radiation kills the cancer cells without causing major B E N E F I T S O F L D R

damage to surrounding healthy cells. Seeds which are

tiny capsules, the size of a grain of rice, containing the Extremely precise radiation therapy delivered internally.

radiation are passed through fine needles and positioned Used alone or applied after surgery to help prevent
recurrence of cancer.
directly into the prostate gland. It is not major surgery Single treatment session.

and usually you will only spend 1 day in Usually pain-free.

hospital. Generally LDR brachytherapy has a low Minimizes risk of common short- and long-term side

complication rate, and most men return to their usual effects.

pre-treatment activities within a couple of days.
30