An automated optimization tool for high-dose-rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy with divergent needle pattern

High-dose-rate Brachytherapy for Prostate

High dose rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer.

High dose rate (HDR) afterloading brachytherapy in the management of localised prostate cancer has practical, physical and biological advantages over low dose rate seed brachytherapy. There are no free live sources used, no risk of source loss and since the implant is a temporary procedure following discharge no issues with regard to radioprotection use of existing facilities. Adequate coverage...

High-dose-rate Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer

Introduction/Background Over the last 2 decades, significant technical advancements have improved the delivery of prostate brachytherapy. The transrectal ultrasound-guided implant technique is the backbone of modern prostate brachytherapy. Whether it is permanent or temporary, ie, low-dose-rate (LDR) or high-dose-rate (HDR), respectively, both use similar image-guided techniques for inserting s...

The emerging role of high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy as monotherapy for prostate cancer

High-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy as monotherapy is a comparatively new brachytherapy procedure for prostate cancer. In addition to the intrinsic advantages of brachytherapy, including radiation dose concentration to the tumor and rapid dose fall-off at the surrounding normal tissue, HDR brachytherapy can yield a more homogeneous and conformal dose distribution through image-based decisions fo...

High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy quality assurance: a practical guide

The widespread adoption of high dose rate brachytherapy with its inherent dangers necessitates adoption of appropriate quality assurance measures to minimize risks to both patients and medical staff. This paper is aimed at assisting someone who is establishing a new program or revising one already in place into adhere to the recently issued Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USA) regulations and th...