HDR
Also written as: HDR — High Dose Rate
High dose rate brachytherapy delivering radiation at rates greater than 12 Gy per hour using a single high-activity radioactive source.
Full Definition
High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy that delivers high doses of radiation in short treatment times, typically using an Iridium-192 source with activity levels of 10 Ci or higher. The radioactive source is remotely controlled and moves through pre-positioned catheters or applicators to deliver precise doses to the target volume while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. HDR treatments are usually completed in minutes rather than hours, allowing for outpatient procedures and reduced radiation protection concerns for staff and visitors.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalized as an acronym; distinguished from LDR (Low Dose Rate) and PDR (Pulsed Dose Rate) brachytherapy.
In Context
- "The patient received HDR brachytherapy as a boost following external beam radiation." — Treatment summary
- "HDR treatment planning requires precise catheter reconstruction and dose optimization." — Medical physics procedure