Women with cervical or uterine cancers are often treated with a combination of external beam and implant therapy.

In the twenty-first century, these implants are usually performed as an outpatient with an HDR technique. Instruments called tandems and ovoids are placed around the tumor under local or general anesthesia. After precise treatment planning, radioactive sources are placed via remote control into these devices for several minutes, and then the entire apparatus is removed.

The entire process may be repeated from two to six times, as determined by the Radiation Oncologist. After a short observation time, the patient is sent home after each application. In a similar fashion, the vagina can be treated with a similar technique using a “vaginal cylinder” in women who have already undergone a hysterectomy.

More Information:  Video of HDR Technique