2C03-Brachytherapy:  LDR/HDR, Dosimetry, Imaging Applications and New Developments

Bhudatt R. Paliwal, PhD

Human Oncology & Medical Physics

University of Wisconsin

Madison, WI  53792

In the last decade the field of Brachytherapy has gone through a significant change.  The conventional therapy, it’s dosimetric principles and source specifications have changed.  The technology has evolved to perform the procedure in a semi automatic manner with remote after loading or treatment delivery processes.  In many applications low dose rate brachytherapy (LDR) has been replaced with high dose rate (HDR) procedures.  Another significant improvement has been image guidance in planning and delivery of treatments.  Radiographic, CT, MR and US imaging is contributing to precise and conformal delivery.  An extensive review of the above advances will be presented.