The full form of HDR in medical terms often refers to High-Dose Rate.
High-Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy Explained
High-Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy. It involves placing a radioactive source directly inside or near a tumor for a short period, delivering a high dose of radiation to the cancerous area while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
How HDR Brachytherapy Works:
- Catheter Placement: A small, hollow tube or balloon (catheter) is inserted into or near the tumor.
- Radiation Delivery: A highly radioactive material is temporarily placed inside the catheter. The radiation is delivered at a high dose rate.
- Source Removal: After a predetermined amount of time (usually a few minutes), the radioactive source is removed. The catheter may or may not be removed, depending on the treatment plan.
- Remote Control: The insertion and removal of the radioactive source are typically controlled remotely to minimize radiation exposure to healthcare professionals.
Advantages of HDR Brachytherapy:
- Precise Targeting: Allows for highly targeted radiation delivery to the tumor.
- Reduced Exposure: Minimizes radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
- Shorter Treatment Time: Often requires fewer treatment sessions compared to external beam radiation therapy.
- Higher Doses: Can deliver higher radiation doses directly to the tumor.
Common Applications:
HDR brachytherapy is used to treat various cancers, including:
- Prostate cancer
- Gynecological cancers (cervical, endometrial, vaginal)
- Breast cancer
- Skin cancer
- Lung cancer
- Esophageal cancer
In some medical contexts, HDR might stand for other things, but in radiation oncology and related fields, High-Dose Rate is the most common and relevant meaning.
