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Presbyterian Cancer Center has joined a select group along the East Coast by opening a center dedicated to High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy, making it comfortable and convenient for patients to receive the most advanced radiation treatment available.

In brachytherapy, radioactive sources are placed in or near the tumor itself, giving a radiation dose to the tumor while reducing the radiation exposure to the surrounding healthy tissues. With HDR brachytherapy, doctors are able to deliver a high dose of radiation in a very short period of time.

The Presbyterian HDR Center houses a unique system that combines all aspects of HDR brachytherapy treatment called an Integrated Brachytherapy Unit (IBU). This system, marketed by Nucletron Corporation, is the first to be installed and used clinically on the United States East Coast. One feature of the unit is a rotating system that enables X-ray imaging from all possible directions without moving the patient. This allows clinicians to see the HDR applicator from any angle to ensure precise placement for a more accurate treatment.

In many cases the center allows the patient to receive the entire treatment in one location. For example, lung cancer patients previously began their HDR brachytherapy treatment in the endoscopy suite of the hospital, where a bronchoscopy was performed. The patient was then transported to the radiation oncology department for simulation, where the physician uses a CT scan to plan precisely where the radiation will be targeted. Next the patient was relocated to the treatment room and a portable X-ray was taken to ensure the catheter did not move while the patient was moved. If the X-ray looked good, the patient would receive the treatment.

Using Presbyterians HDR Center, the process is streamlined with fewer steps. The lung cancer patient is prepped in the endoscopy suite and then moved to the HDR center where the bronchoscopy, fluoroscopy to verify location of the catheters, treatment planning and radiation treatment are performed. As a result, the amount of time needed to complete the procedure is cut in half. This is a significant benefit because most HDR brachytherapy patients receive multiple treatments in days instead of weeks.

Patients undergoing HDR therapy have been through a lot in their treatment, said Dr. Scott McGinnis, medical director of radiation oncology at Presbyterian Cancer Center. It is important that their experience is as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

The Presbyterian HDR Center is an outpatient facility located on the campus of Presbyterian Hospital. Parking is available directly outside the centers entrance, and patients can register without having to go through hospital admitting.

Many types of cancer can be treated at the HDR Center, including lung, breast, gynecologic, prostate, brain and esophageal cancers.

For more information, contact Presbyterian Cancer Center at 704-384-4750.