What should you know about HDR for prostate cancer?

High-dose-rate treatment delivers radiation through applicators positioned in or near the prostate. The source is controlled by a treatment machine and is removed when the planned delivery ends. A specialist team uses scans to map the prostate and nearby organs, then adjusts the treatment plan to the cancer's features and your urinary health. HDR can be part of a wider plan with external radiotherapy or other treatment; it is not appropriate for every person with prostate cancer.

Short-term effects may include urinary frequency, burning, a weaker stream, bowel irritation or tiredness. Sexual changes can occur later. Your team can explain which effects are more relevant to your plan and how they can be managed.

Bring a list of medicines and mention previous urinary procedures, blood thinners and any difficulty passing urine. Ask whether you need to stop eating or drinking before anaesthesia and plan a safe journey home. Take medicines exactly as directed after treatment, drink according to clinical advice and avoid heavy lifting until cleared. Record new symptoms so the team can distinguish expected irritation from a problem needing review.

Get urgent help if you cannot urinate, pass substantial blood or clots, develop severe pain, fever, faintness or sudden breathing difficulty. Contact the treatment team if urinary burning, bowel symptoms or bleeding persist, interfere with sleep or daily activities, or worsen after an initial improvement.

What does HDR add to my treatment plan? How will my prostate and urinary function be assessed? What symptoms should improve first? When can I exercise, work and have sex?