Spacer.gif (64 bytes)UPMC Health System

Shadyside Navigation

System Wide Navigation
redline.gif (108 bytes)

UPMC Physician Referral

 TransitionTop.gif (56 bytes)

 

UPMC Shadyside

The Mary Hillman Jennings
Radiation Oncology Center

High Dose Rate Brachytherapy Suite

The High Dose Rate Remote Afterloader and control are located in this area.
 
Brachytherapy
A radioactive source(s) is placed into or near a tumor within the body, i.e. gynecologic, bronchus, esophagus, biliary tract.
Afterloading
In a controlled environment, radioactive sources are placed into an applicator that has been previously placed in a patient.
Remote Afterloading
A robot places the radioactive sources into the applicator from a location remote from the radioactive source. There is no radiation exposure to personnel.
High Dose Rate
A high activity source delivers a high dose of radiation over a short period of time (minutes).

The Procedure
An applicator is placed inside the patients body cavity bronchoscopically or in the operating room.

  • The patient undergoes simulation X-ray localization of the applicator.

  • After simulation, treatment planning is performed utilizing a specialized planning computer. All parameters - dose, location, strength of source - are considered and a plan for therapy is provided.

  • The patient is taken into the treatment suite.Treatment takes 3 to 10 minutes, following which the applicator is removed. Generally, treatment is repeated three times per the course of the therapy.

Top of Page

UPMC Shadyside Home Page | UPMC Health System Home Page

About UPMC | Health Med Info | Find a Doctor | UPMC Health Plan | Info for Staff

© 2000 UPMC Health System