What radiation dose does High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy deliver?

High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy where a high dose of radiation is delivered in a short period of time directly to the tumor site. The key characteristic of HDR brachytherapy is its ability to deliver radiation at rates typically greater than 20 rads per minute. This high dose rate allows for effective treatment while minimizing the exposure time for surrounding healthy tissues, as the treatment sessions are brief.

In HDR brachytherapy, the radiation source is usually removed after a short period, reducing the potential side effects compared to lower dose rate brachytherapy. This makes it a preferred method for treating certain cancers, allowing clinicians to deliver effective doses quickly and efficiently. The correct answer reflects the nature of HDR brachytherapy's effective therapeutic dose delivery.