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My Treatment Decision Is In: Single Seed Brachytherapy
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Oct 20 11:11am | Replies (35)Comment receiving replies
It might be just how you wrote it but you may be misunderstanding the exact mechanics of HDR Brachytherapy. Here is my understanding with a little help from Google...
Using ultrasound, CT, or MRI, the doctor precisely places thin, hollow catheters into or near the tumor. The number and position of catheters depend on the tumor's size, shape, and location.
An 'afterloader' machine is connected to a computer that uses treatment planning software to calculate the exact dose and dwell time (how long the source stays in each position) for optimal treatment.
The machine drives a small, highly radioactive source (usually Iridium-192) , attached to a thin wire, through the catheters to pre-determined positions within the tumor. The source pauses at each position for a specific dwell time, delivering a calculated dose of radiation.
The source is then withdrawn into a shielded container in the machine. In some cases, the catheters might be left in place for a few days for multiple treatment sessions.
Good luck!
Replies to "It might be just how you wrote it but you may be misunderstanding the exact mechanics..."
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Your explanation is more accurate and informative than my original post.
This is why I posted this topic to learn from others.
I realized that my initial understanding of "single seed Brachytherapy" was only part of the story.
Specifically, the utilization of only one seed for short periods of time was completely unknown to me.
I was hoping that someone who has actually had this procedure performed, would be heard from in this forum. Apparently, that has not been the case.
More on this subject can be seen in my screenshots below.
My thanks to everyone!
PAUL