About LDR
LDR brachytherapy is an internal radiation therapy that sends radiation from implants which will be permanently placed near, or inside of the tumor. This method delivers a high dosage of radiation at a low-dose rate (over an extended period of time). Having the radiation going “inside out” rather than “outside in” drastically decreases the side affects you may feel after the treatment, while also minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. With this method, the surrounding healthy tissue is at a much lower risk of receiving unnecessary radiation. This treatment is most commonly used for prostate cancer, but may also be used as a treatment for cervical, esophageal, head & neck, and lung cancers.
What to Expect
Information
Most likely, you would meet with your doctors a few days prior to your treatment. They will inform you of how the treatment works, and its side effects.
Tests
A few tests will also be administered before your treatment such as x-rays, CT scans, and a pelvic examination from your doctor.
Treatment
First you will be placed in an operating room to have the catheters placed. After the surgery, the radiologists will begin the LDR treatment. The implants, or “seeds”, are placed during the surgery which will only take about an hour. The radiologist will then perform the rest of the treatment from the control room where he/she will be able to communicate with you through an intercom during your treatment.
Dealing with side effects
Your body tissue is trying to repair itself as the radiation is trying to destroy the tumor, so you may experience some side effects. This is normal. To learn more about any potential side effects and how to manage them, please click here.
