Elekta HDR Brachytherapy

Willis Knighton Cancer Center uses an Elekta microSelectron afterloader unit, various intracavitary and surface applicators, and Oncentra treatment planning software to safely plan and deliver high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy. The HDR afterloader precisely positions a small radioactive source at planned dwell positions located within a completely enclosed applicator that your radiation oncologist has placed either within a normal body cavity, on the surface of your skin, or within a post-surgical cavity depending upon your individual treatment needs. HDR brachytherapy allows for a higher dose of radiation to be placed in or near the tumor, increasing the chance of killing the tumor while sparing healthy surrounding tissues. In all cases, the “high dose rate” radiation sources are only placed in the body for short periods of time and then removed.

Willis Knighton physicians most often use HDR brachytherapy for certain patients with lung, vaginal or cervical cancer; or following conservation surgery for specific presentations of breast cancer. Your physician will inform and advise you if HDR brachytherapy is an appropriate treatment for your specific case.

The HDR brachytherapy program at Willis Knighton is highly regarded across the country. In fact, Willis Knighton Cancer Center was one of only a handful of sites participating in the American Brachytherapy Society’s (ABS) HDR Brachytherapy Scholarship Program. Our HDR brachytherapy program has been featured in a patient educational video on radiation therapy for gynecologic cancers from the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).