IMRT, Brachytherapy, HDR, Mammosite

IMRT stands for Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy. This involves varying the intensity of a radiation beam into several smaller beams that pinpoint and destroy cancer cells while sparing normal organs and tissues. IMRT enables physicians to tailor the radiation dosages to the contours of a tumor while reducing irradiation of healthy organs and tissues. This treatment works well for prostate cancer, head and neck, abdominal, lung, and other sites where the cancer may wrap around healthy organs and tissues.

Brachytherapy is the placement of radiation seeds, needles, or catheters near or inside a tumor.

HDR is a term meaning High Dose Rate. HDR is considered a safer and more beneficial radiation therapy. Because the radiation is delivered in high doses, the treatment time is shortened.

Mammosite is HDR Brachytherapy by an inflatable balloon temporarily placed in a lumpectomy site at the time of surgery or in some cases, 2-3 weeks later.