High-Dose-Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy in Staten Island, NY
When searching for the right cancer treatment, there are several options to consider. High-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy is an ideal treatment that destroys certain early-stage cancers with a high level of radiation. Richmond University Medical Center is committed to offering the best cancer treatments available. We offer brachytherapy and several other cutting-edge options at our facility in Staten Island, NY, to help patients obtain the best outcomes.
What Is HDR Brachytherapy?
High-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy, also called internal radiation therapy, is a form of radiation oncology. Unlike systemic therapies, which deliver radiation as a medication that travels throughout the body, this approach administers radiation directly to the cancer cells. It does this using a seed or capsule that contains a radiation source. The seed is implanted near or into the tumor, where it can kill cancer cells while reducing the effect on healthy tissue. There are three types of brachytherapy:
Permanent Implants
Permanent brachytherapy implants are designed to release their radiation slowly. The implant is never removed after placement but stays in the patient’s body for the rest of their life. Its radiation grows weaker over time until it stops altogether, making the implant safe to leave in place. By the time the radiation stops, the cancer should be eradicated.
Low-Dose-Rate (LDR) Brachytherapy
Like permanent brachytherapy, LDR brachytherapy implants release radiation slowly. However, this treatment only remains in the body temporarily. After the implant is placed, the patient stays in the hospital for one to seven days while the radiation works. The implant and its applicator are removed at the end of this period, and the patient is free to return home.
High-Dose-Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy
HDR brachytherapy implants release a large amount of radiation very quickly. HDR brachytherapy is designed to be administered in strong but short-lasting doses. During this treatment, the implant is placed for only 10 to 20 minutes before being removed. This is typically repeated once or twice a day for several days. Patients may stay at the hospital or stay home and visit the hospital daily.
How Does HDR Brachytherapy Work?
HDR brachytherapy involves the process of placing radioactive implants or materials inside the patient’s body. The implants are typically left near or inside cancerous tumors. This allows physicians to deliver consistent, high-dose treatment to clear up tumors and decrease the amount of cancerous cells. Implants can be placed in one of three ways, such as:
- Episcleral brachytherapy: Typically used for eye cancers, this type of brachytherapy attaches radiation to the eye.
- Interstitial brachytherapy: This involves placing the implant directly into the tumor inside the body. It is most commonly used for treating prostate cancer.
- Intracavity brachytherapy: This is when the radiation source is placed inside a body cavity. It can be used for treating cervical and rectal cancers.
The HDR brachytherapy procedure can be completed under anesthesia. This is because physicians may place thin tubes into the body and near the tumor. The tubes are designed to connect to a machine that delivers radiation to the tumor. After treatment is complete, the tubes are removed from the machine. However, they do remain in the body until treatments are finished. Not all cancers use this brachytherapy technique for treatment. Some may not require tube placement.
Immediately following treatment, patients may experience swelling and pain at the treatment site. Physicians typically prescribe medications to reduce swelling and control pain. A patient’s physician will give them specific instructions for post-treatment protocol and care.
Conditions Treated by Brachytherapy
The focused radiation provided through brachytherapy is an effective treatment for localized cancer, which is cancer that has not spread beyond its point of origin. It may also be used to control the growth of larger tumors that may have spread beyond their origin. Brachytherapy can treat a wide variety of cancer types. However, it is most commonly used for the following:
- Prostate cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Eye cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
HDR Brachytherapy and Other Treatments
In some cases, HDR brachytherapy may be enough to kill cancer by itself. This is most often true for patients who catch their cancer early. For patients with later-stage cancer, HDR brachytherapy may be used alongside other treatments to ensure that all cancerous cells are eradicated. Some treatments that are frequently used with brachytherapy include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
What to Expect Before Treatment
Before starting HDR brachytherapy treatment, physicians take the time to construct the right treatment plan for each patient. This can depend on the type and severity of cancer that a patient has. Patients meet with their physicians to complete a physical exam and discuss their medical history. In some cases, physicians may conduct further imaging tests to access a closer look at the tumor. Some imaging tests a patient may need include:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Ultrasound
- Mammogram
Before treatment, physicians also discuss the potential side effects of the procedure, what benefits it can provide, and post-treatment care instructions.
Side Effects of HDR Brachytherapy
HDR brachytherapy can produce a variety of symptoms. These symptoms can vary for each patient that undergoes treatment. Some of the most common HDR brachytherapy side effects include:
- Frequent or urgent bowel movements
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Blood in stool
- Uncomfortable urination
- Bleeding at the insertion site
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Erectile dysfunction
- Blood in urine
- Trouble with completely emptying the bladder
If a patient is experiencing uncomfortable, problematic symptoms associated with their HDR brachytherapy treatment, physicians can prescribe medications and offer additional treatments to reduce symptoms. This gives patients the relief needed to continue healing and treatment.
Receive Treatment at Richmond University Medical Center
Serving patients across Staten Island, Richmond University Medical Center has the resources and knowledge to deliver care for those diagnosed with cancer. Physicians combine comprehensive treatment plans with personalized care for each patient, ensuring trust and reliability in the community. To learn more about HDR brachytherapy cancer treatment, contact us today.
