What should you know about pulsed dose rate brachytherapy?

Unlike external beam treatment, brachytherapy delivers radiation from a source positioned near the target. The applicator remains in place while the source moves in and out under computer control. The source is not left in your body between pulses. An [afterloader](/technology/brachytherapy-afterloader/) controls this movement, and [Brachytherapy](/treatments/radiation-oncology/brachytherapy/) explains the wider treatment approach. Possible temporary effects depend on the treated area and can include soreness, bleeding, urinary changes, bowel changes, tiredness, or irritation.

Your team may discuss imaging, anaesthesia or sedation, positioning, medicines, and whether an applicator is inserted for each session or remains in place during a planned course. Follow instructions about eating, drinking, bowel preparation, and medicines. Tell the team about pregnancy, bleeding problems, allergies, urinary or bowel symptoms, and previous radiation. PDR may be considered in [Cervical Cancer](/conditions/cervical-cancer/), [Womb Cancer](/conditions/endometrial-cancer/), [Prostate Cancer](/conditions/prostate-cancer/), or [Vaginal Cancer](/conditions/vaginal-cancer/). [Brachytherapy Seeds](/materials/brachytherapy-seeds/) are a related material but are not the same as every PDR setup. For prostate disease, [Prostate Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/prostatectomy/) may be an alternative in some situations.

Follow your treatment centre’s contact instructions. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe or increasing pain, inability to pass urine, uncontrolled vomiting, fainting, fever with chills, or sudden breathing difficulty. Contact the team promptly for new discharge, persistent diarrhoea, worsening urinary symptoms, or skin and tissue changes. Give the team the exact date and type of treatment when you call.

Ask why PDR is being recommended, where the applicator will sit, how pulses are scheduled, and whether anaesthesia is needed. Ask what you can eat, drink, and take beforehand; whether you can go home between sessions; which side effects are expected; and who to call outside clinic hours. Ask how the plan protects nearby organs and how response will be assessed.