HDR Gynecologic Brachytherapy

MR-guided Gynecologic HDR Brachytherapy

What is MR-guided Gynecologic HDR Brachytherapy?
In 2012, The American Brachytherapy Society provided consensus guidelines for the appropriate deployment of HDR brachytherapy as part of cervical cancer curative-intent treatmenti. In 2020 and again in 2025, updated consensus guidelinesii iii emphasized the critical importance of tumor-directed, image-guided treatment, emphasizing the value of MRI-guided radiation.

At East Jefferson, we developed and launched MRI-guided Ring and Tandem Brachytherapy in 2024. Woman treated with this approach do not need smit sleeve placement. We place their brachytherapy device under ultrasound guidance in the operating room and then perform an MRI with the device in place. This approach allows us to better and more accurately target the residual cervical cancer. It also allows us to reduce the total number of device placements to two total, with each resulting in two treatments. This allows curative treatment to proceed by leveraging advanced imaging and planning, while prioritizing patient comfort.

To schedule an initial consultation to see if you are a good candidate for Gynecologic HDR Brachytherapy, you or your cancer doctor can call our team at 504.503.5139 and press option 2 to schedule.

Which women benefit from Gynecologic HDR Brachytherapy?
Women who have cervical and vaginal cancer that is being treated with radiation therapy may benefit from this technology.

HDR brachytherapy is an important part of definitive, curative intent treatment for these diseases.

What do you need to know about Gynecologic HDR Brachytherapy?
We are happy to work closely with your hometown doctors (especially your GYN oncologists) and treatment team.

Patients who come to us from a distance may stay at the Hope Lodge or at other nearby accommodations that our staff can assist with.

While we may not be around the corner, we know that HDR is a critical part of curative therapy for cervical cancer and other gynecologic malignancies. We feel that our high-volume team can help you achieve your best chance of cure.

How does It work?
Our physicians carefully assess your tumor and coordinate with your gynecologic oncologist. We create a custom, personalized plan to treat your cancer.

Brachytherapy is radiation therapy that is delivered inside or just adjuvant to the tumor. This way, we treat the tumor from the inside out, which allows a high dose to the tumor but very little dose to surrounding healthy tissues.

We lean on our high-volume, experienced team of physicians, physicists, nurses, and dosimetrists to expertly treat your gynecologic cancer.

Case study
This MR shows tandem ring-style gynecologic implant that was placed in the operating room for a woman with cervical cancer in her 40s. The device is in an excellent place, allowing us to treat the tumor with curative intent while sparing the nearby rectum, bladder, bowel, and other healthy tissues.