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Hearing the term "HDR brachytherapy" might feel daunting. We understand that for caregivers and patients in Spring Hill and surrounding areas, facing a new cancer treatment raises many concerns—about safety, accuracy, and how close to home quality care might be.
HDR means "high-dose-rate" internal radiation therapy, which delivers radiation precisely to the cancer site using specialized placement methods. Our team follows national standards for image-guided radiation therapy, ensuring precise, safe, and reassuringly close-to-home treatment.
In this guide, we’ll explain what positioning involves, the safety steps that protect you, and the personal support available at each stage of your treatment journey.
"HDR brachytherapy positioning" refers to the careful placement of small, temporary devices or tubes—called applicators or catheters—directly into or near a tumor.
This precision allows radiation to be delivered exactly where it's needed most, sparing healthy surrounding tissues.
The radiation comes from a tiny, temporary source (usually iridium-192), which travels through the device for just a few minutes. Because the radiation dose decreases sharply with distance, even slight shifts in positioning can significantly affect treatment accuracy.
To achieve precise positioning, we use advanced imaging technologies (initial ultrasound guidance, followed by CT or MRI scans) to verify the exact placement of each applicator or catheter.
Unlike external radiation therapy, HDR brachytherapy is tailored specifically to your tumor's size, shape, and location.
Here are some basic terms you may want to know or talk about with your doctor:
Your care plan is developed through multidisciplinary collaboration among surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists. The positioning strategy depends on your cancer’s location, size, stage, and your personal treatment goals.
Our positioning process prioritizes safety at every step. Imaging confirms correct device placement, dose verification occurs before treatment, and stringent organ dose limits help protect your overall health.
At ACTC, our top-center-trained oncologists oversee every planning and positioning procedure, maintaining a consistent standard of excellence.
HDR brachytherapy positioning varies slightly by cancer type, always tailored precisely to your needs:
Each approach ensures accurate treatment delivery while prioritizing your comfort and safety.
Keeping the applicator or catheters secure throughout treatment protects your surrounding healthy tissue and ensures the radiation dose reaches only the intended area.
At ACTC, patient safety comes first. The following are just a few of the steps we take to ensure it:
During treatment, the team exits the room and monitors your session via camera to maintain safety. After the source retracts, you are no longer radioactive and can safely interact with family immediately.
Every HDR brachytherapy treatment plan aims for optimal coverage of the cancerous area while strictly limiting radiation exposure to surrounding organs.
In cervical cancer, for instance, national guidelines suggest specific limits to protect your bladder and rectum. Similarly, prostate treatments have precise thresholds to safeguard your urethra, significantly reducing the risk of long-term urinary side effects.
If we detect any minor changes in device positioning between sessions, we re-image and adjust your plan immediately. This ensures your treatment remains consistent, safe, and effective at every stage.
HDR brachytherapy sessions are typically outpatient or same-day procedures. You’ll first receive anesthesia or sedation to keep you comfortable during device placement.
Once positioned, we'll capture detailed images (CT or MRI), develop your tailored radiation plan, and administer the precise radiation dose—all in the same visit. The radiation itself takes just a few minutes.
If sedation or anesthesia was used, you'll need someone to drive you home afterward. For treatments requiring multiple sessions with the same placement, you may briefly stay at the center to ensure consistent positioning and maximum comfort.
We know the complexity of cancer treatment can feel daunting, especially when you are also caring for a loved one. At ACTC, our supportive care team helps coordinate your appointments, provide clear information, and guide you through what to expect on procedure days.
For caregivers, we provide practical checklists to prepare you for procedure days, advice on arranging transportation, supplies you'll need at home, and tips for a smoother recovery. After placement, tele-oncology follow-ups allow convenient, personalized check-ins from the comfort of your home.
We understand that this process can feel overwhelming. At ACTC, our team cares for patients like loved ones, providing clear guidance and steady reassurance every step of the way.
We’re here to help you understand your options and coordinate your care smoothly and compassionately. Whether you're seeking clarity or reassurance, or are ready to schedule your next step, our team is ready to support you.
Call 352-345-4565 or book an appointment now.
Schedule a consultation by calling
352-345-4565
Schedule a consultation by calling
352-345-4565
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15211 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, Florida 34613