pulseddoserate

A pulsed dose rate refers to a method of administering radiation therapy where the radiation is delivered in short, intense bursts rather than continuously. This technique is particularly employed in brachytherapy, a form of internal radiation treatment. In pulsed dose rate brachytherapy (PDR), a radioactive source is delivered to the tumor site for brief periods, typically lasting only minutes, at regular intervals, often every hour.

The primary advantage of PDR is its ability to mimic continuous low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy while allowing for greater flexibility and a reduced number of hospital visits. The intermittent nature of the radiation delivery enables the patient to leave the treatment facility between pulses. This also allows for the removal of the radioactive source after each treatment session, significantly reducing the radiation exposure risk to others.

PDR is often used in conjunction with external beam radiation therapy or as a standalone treatment for various cancers, including prostate, gynecological, and head and neck cancers. The precise delivery and timing of the pulsed doses are carefully controlled by specialized afterloaders and treatment planning systems to ensure optimal therapeutic effect on the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The effectiveness of PDR is attributed to its ability to exploit the differential sensitivity of tumor cells and normal cells to radiation, particularly during the cell cycle.