What is the Full Form of LDR in Medical?

The Full Form of LDR in Medical term is Low Dose Rate. LDR describes a technique for administering radiation therapy, usually for the treatment of cancer, at a gradual and constant pace over a long period of time. It is frequently employed in brachytherapy, which involves putting radioactive materials inside or around the tumour. Dose-escalated radiation treatment improves survival without progression for patients with adverse or high-risk cancers of the prostate. However, attempts to administer a higher dose using EBRT alone may be limited by late toxic effects to nearby gastrointestinal as well as genitourinary organs that are at risk.

Important Aspects of LDR Treatment:

• The method of Delivery makes use of tiny radioactive sources like pellets, wires, or seeds.
• These sources target the tumor over the course of hours to days by releasing radiation at a steady, gradual pace.
• Frequently Used Radioactive Isotopic compounds are the following:Iodine-125 or (I-125)
  2. Pd-103, or palladium-103
  3. Cs-137, or cesium-137

What are the benefits of LDR Treatment: 

• It protects the surrounding tissues that are healthy by delivering radiation straight to the tumor.
• Implants or seeds are placed using a minimally invasive technique.
• Maximizes the killing of tumor cells by administering therapeutic doses of radiation for an extended period of time.
• It reduces harm to surrounding organs in comparison to external beam radiation.