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PDR Brachytherapy

Pulsed-dose-rate (PDR) brachytherapy is similar to HDR, but radiation is delivered in short 'pulses' over several hours or days. The source used is typically a 1 Curie Iridium 192 source, assembled and driven the same way as HDR.

This technique has the primary advantage that it is biologically similar to traditional low dose rate (LDR) techniques where sources are manually loaded into catheters and applicators and left in place for several hours to days. However, PDR adds the remote controlled afterloader advantages of radiation safety, prospective planning, and precise dose shaping.

Unlike the HDR technique, PDR treatments are delivered on an in-patient basis and require a dedicated shielded treatment room where the patient can stay for up to three days. Control of applicator movement during that time is also required. To support patient care during the course of treatment, PDR equipment typically has a treatment interrupt facility to help ensure that the radioactive source will not be deployed while nurses, hospital staff, and visiting family members are in the room.

Many treatment centers prefer to use the PDR technique where an LDR equivalent treatment is required but with the added benefits of patient contact. Due to regulatory restrictions, however, it is not widely used in the USA.

Varian supports PDR techniques with the GammaMedPlus™ afterloader device, the BrachyVision™ treatment planning system, and a wide range of treatment applicators and fixation devices.

 

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