Image-based brachytherapy for cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in women worldwide; definitive radiation therapy and concurrent chemotherapy is the accepted standard of care for patients with node positive or locally advanced tumors > 4 cm. Brachytherapy is an important part of definitive radiotherapy shown to improve overall survival. While results for two-dimensional X-ray based brachytherapy have been good in terms of local control especially for early stage disease, unexplained toxicities and treatment failures remain. Improvements in brachytherapy planning have more recently paved the way for three-dimensional image-based brachytherapy with volumetric optimization which increases tumor control, reduces toxicity, and helps predict outcomes.Advantages of image-based brachytherapy include:improved tumor coverage(especially for large volume disease), decreased dose to critical organs(especially for small cervix), confirmation of applicator placement, and accounting for sigmoid colon dose. A number of modalities for image-based brachytherapy have emerged including: magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),computed tomography(CT), CT-MRI hybrid, and ultrasound with respective benefits and outcomes data. Forpractical application of image-based brachytherapy the Groupe Europeen de Curietherapie-European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology Working Group and American Brachytherapy Society working group guideline serve as invaluable tools, additionally here-in we outline our institutional clinical integration of these guidelines. While the body of literature supporting image-based brachytherapy continues to evolve a number of uncertainties and challenges remain including: applicator reconstruction, increasing resource/cost demands, mobile four-dimensional targets and organs-at-risk, and accurate contouring of "grey zones" to avoid marginal miss. Ongoing studies, including the prospective EMBRACE(an international study of MRI-guided brachytherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer) trial, along with continued improvements in imaging, contouring, quality assurance, physics, and brachytherapy delivery promise to perpetuate the advancement of image-based brachytherapy to optimize outcomes for cervical cancer patients.

Californium-252 neutron brachytherapy combined with external pelvic radiotherapy plus concurrent chemotherapy for cervical cancer: a retrospective clinical study

Background:Cervical cancer is the sixth most common cancer in Chinese women.A standard treatment modal?ity for cervical cancer is the combination of surgery,chemotherapy,external?beam radiotherapy and intracavitary brachytherapy.The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the long?term treatment outcomes of patients with cervical cancer who were treated with californium?252 neutron brachytherapy combined with external?beam radio?therapy plus concurrent chemotherapy.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 150 patients with primary stages IB?IVB cervical cancer who received neutron brachytherapy combined with external?beam radiotherapy concurrently with cisplatin chemo?therapy.All patients were followed up.Using an actuarial analysis,patient outcomes and treatment?related adverse effects were evaluated and compared.Results:The median overall survival(OS)was 33.2 months.The 3?year progression?free survival rates for patients with stages I–II,III,and IV diseases were 81.0%(68/84),65.0%(39/60),and 0%(0/6),respectively;the 3?year OS rates were 90.5%(76/84),85.0%(51/60),and 16.7%(1/6),respectively.Vaginal bleeding was controlled within the median time of4.0 days.One month after treatment,97.3%of patients achieved short?term local control.The local recurrence rates for patients with stages I–II,III,and IV disease were 4.8%(4/84),11.7%(7/60),and 33.3%(2/6),respectively,and the occurrence rates of distant metastasis were 16.7%(14/84),25.0%(15/60),and 100.0%(6/6),respectively.Cancer stage,tumor size,and lymph node metastasis were identified as prognostic risk factors,but only lymph node metastasis was found to be an independent prognostic factor.The most common adverse effects during treatment were grades 1 and 2 irradiation?related proctitis and radiocystitis.Conclusion:For patients with cervical cancer,neutron brachytherapy combined with external?beam radiotherapy plus concurrent chemotherapy produces a rapid response and greatly improves local control and long?term survival rates with tolerable adverse effects.

Dose-volume parameters and clinical outcome of CT-guided free-hand high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy for cervical cancer

Currently, image-based 3-dimentional (3D) planning brachytherapy allows for a better assessment of gross tumor volume (GTV) and the definition and delineation of target volume in cervix cancer. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of our novel computed tomography (CT)-guided free-hand high-dose- rate interstitial brachytherapy (HDRISBT) technique for cervical cancer by evaluating the dosimetry and preliminary clinical outcome of this approach. Dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters were analyzed according to the Gynecological GEC-ESTRO Working Group recommendations for image-based 3D treatment in cervical cancer. Twenty cervical cancer patients who underwent CT-guided free-hand HDRISBT between March 2009 and June 2010 were studied. With a median of 5 (range, 4-7) implanted needles for each patient, the median dose of brachytherapy alone delivered to 90% of the target volume (D90 ) was 45 (range, 33-54) Gyα/β10 for high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) and 30 (range, 20-36) Gyα/β10 for intermediate-risk clinical target volume (IR-CTV). The percentage of the CTV covered by the prescribed dose (V100 ) of HR-CTV with brachytherapy alone was 81.9%-99.2% (median, 96.7%). With an additional dose of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), the median D90 was 94 (range, 83-104) Gyα/β10 for HR-CTV and 77 (range, 70 -87) Gyα/β10 for IR-CTV; the median dose delivered to 100% of the target volume (D100 ) was 75 (range, 66-84) Gyα/β10 for HR-CTV and 65 (range, 57-73) Gyα/β10 for IR-CTV. The minimum dose to the most irradiated 2 cc volume (D2cc ) was 73-96 (median, 83) Gyα/β3 for the bladder, 64-98 (median, 73) Gyα/β3 for the rectum, and 52-69 (median, 61) Gyα/β3 for the sigmoid colon. After a median follow-up of 15 months (range, 3 -24 months), two patients experienced local failure, and 1 showed internal iliac nodal metastasis. Despite the relatively small number of needles used, CT-guided HDRISBT for cervical cancer showed favorable DVH parameters and clinical outcome.

Image-Based Brachytherapy in Cervical Cancer: Review and Experiences in Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University

Cervical cancer is the one of the most common cancer in female patients inThailand. Radiotherapy has the role for the treatment of cervical cancer by postoperative, radical and palliative treatments. For radical radiotherapy, the combination of external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy will be used to increase the tumor dose to curative goal. With the new development of medical images (Computed tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Ultrasonography (US)), the treatment with brachytherapy will be developed from point-based to volume-based concepts. Many studies reported the benefit of image-based brachytherapy over conventional brachytherapy and clinical benefit of using image-based brachytherapy in the treatment of cervical cancer.

Clinical study of three dimensional conformal radiotherapy combined with intracavitary brachytherapy in the treatment of cervical cancer

Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the outcome and complications of cervical cancer patients undergoing conventional intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) treated with 3D-conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT). Methods: Sixty cervical cancer patients were divided randomly into the conformal group and the conventional group. Thirty patients treated with 3D-conformal radiotherapy in the 3DCRT group, when the whole pelvic received DT 40 Gy, a planning CT scan of each patient was obtained and the second 3DCRT therapy plan was taken. Then, continued to irradiate to 50 Gy. At last, 3DCRT was boosted at local involved volumes to the total dose of 60 Gy. When 3DCRT was combined with intracavitary brachytherapy, the dose of brachytherapy to point A was 30 Gy/5 fractions. In the conventional group, after a total tumor dose of 40 Gy was delivered by the whole pelvic irradiation, the four-field technique was used to irradiate the total pelvic and regional nodes (median dose of 10 Gy), and the involved volumes were boosted to 60 Gy and the dose of brachytherapy to point A was 30 Gy-36 Gy/5-6 fractions. Moreover, both groups were combined with intracavitary brachytherapy respectively. Results: The 1, 2, 3-year survival rates for the 3DCRT group and the conventional group were 96.7%, 93.3%, 90.0% and 86.6%, 76.7%, 70% respectively (P = 0.04, P = 0.02 and P = 0.02). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups. Compared to the two groups each other in toxic effects, except for the I-II grade rectal and bladder reaction and pelvic fibrosis which was lower in the 3DCRT group (P = 0. 007, P = 0. 006 and P = 0. 015), the side effects were similar and well tolerated in two groups. Conclusion: The all-course 3DCRT combined with intracavitary brachytherapy can be considered as an effective and feasible approach to cervical cancer and may significantly improve the survival rate and reduce the late toxicity. This new role for 3DCRT merits need further evaluation with large patient numbers and longer follows up.

The Experience of Pain and Anxiety in Cervical Cancer Patients Undergoing Multiple Fraction High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy: A Prospective Observational Study

Purpose: To evaluate the anxiety and pain levels of cervical cancer patients undergoing intracavitary multifraction high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, as part of a process to develop guidelines for quality patient-centered care. Methods: Cervical cancer patients (n = 31) undergoingmultiple fraction HDR brachytherapy treatment at the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat (Morocco) completed ratings of pain and anxiety intensity using 11-point verbal analog scales, at 6 key time points over 2 brachytherapy insertion procedures and 4 brachytherapy fractions. Women were evaluated for psychological status at baseline before starting the brachytherapy process using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Scores were grouped as follows: 0 - 7 = normal, 8 - 10 = borderline, 11 - 21 = abnormal. Factors that could affect anxiety levels such as education level, relationship status, number of pregnancies and prior surgical history were documented. Results: Between July and August 2020, 31 women with a median age of 49.6 years were evaluated (range: 27 - 70). The HADS score identified depression in 5 patients (16.1%) and anxiety in 12 patients (38.7%). Throughout both treatment procedures, anticipatory anxiety was reported, with a maximum intensity in the operating room during spinal anesthesia (3.23 ± 1.7) and during applicator insertion (2.97 ± 2.4). Moderate-to-severe anxiety scores were reported in 25.8% and 22.6% of patients respectively. Level of education showed a significant correlation with anxiety scores (p = 0.027). Pain increased significantly during the procedure (p ± 1.4) and applicator removal (4.74 ± 1.5) turned out to be the most painful parts of the procedure. No correlation was found between pain and anxiety levels. Conclusion: Intracavitary multifraction high-dose rate brachytherapy is associated with mild to moderate levels of pain and anxiety, although a subset of patients reported more severe symptoms and may require additional medical and psychological support, with particular emphasis on bed-rest duration and applicator removal. The development of effective interventions (both pharmacological and non-pharmacological) is needed to improve women’s experiences of brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer.

Attitudes and Practices Contributing to Vaginal Stenosis in Women with Cervical Cancer Following Brachytherapy at Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Vaginal stenosis is an important adverse effect of brachytherapy for cervicalcancer. This study aimed to determine attitudes and practices contributing to vaginal stenosis following brachytherapy at the Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka—Zambia. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study design was employed, where 163 respondents were randomly selected after meeting inclusion criteria. A researcher-administered questionnaire was used to collect data and SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Results: Out of the 163 women enrolled in this study, 42.3% had developed vaginal stenosis while 57.7% did not with age range 15 - 60+ years. 76% exhibited good practices to measures against vaginal stenosis while majority (93.9%) of the respondents demonstrated poor attitudes towards measures to prevent the condition. Women with poor practices versus good practices (OR = 1.07, CI = 0.52 - 2.21, p = 0.855), poor attitudes versus good attitudes (aOR = 1.28, CI = 0.29 - 5.71, p = 0.746) and those employed versus unemployed (aOR = 1.76, CI = 0.73 - 4.27, p = 0.210) had increased odds of vaginal stenosis. However, these increasing effects were not significant at 5% level of significance. Although length of brachytherapy showed no significant effect independently, the odds of having vaginal stenosis were over 2 times higher for women who had been on brachytherapy between 6 and 12 months compared to those on brachytherapy for less than 6 months (OR = 2.45, CI = 1.03 - 5.82, p = 0.042). Conclusions: Failure to practice recommended measures and poor attitudes towards therapy contributes to vaginal stenosis. Efforts should be channeled towards overcoming religious, traditional, cultural and personal impediments contributing to vaginal stenosis in women with cervical cancer receiving brachytherapy.

Clinical Report on Californium-252 Neutron Intraluminal Brachytherapy Combined with External Irradiation for Cervical Carcinoma Treatment

OBJECTIVE To observe the curative effects and complications of californium-252 （^252Cf） neutron intraluminal brachytherapy （IBT） combined with external irradiation （El） for treatment of cervical carcinoma.METHODS From December 2000 to December 2004, 128 cases of cer vical carcinoma staged into IIA-IIIB according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics （FIGO） standards were treated with ^252Cf neutron IBT using 8-10 Gy per fraction, once a week. The total dose at reference A point was 36-40 Gy in 4-5 fractions. From the second day after ^252Cf neutron IBT treatment, the whole pelvic cavity was treated with ^60Co y-ray El, applying 2 Gy per fraction, 4 times per week. After 20-25Gy of El, the center of the whole pelvic field was blocked with 4 cm of lead in width. The total dose of El was 45-50 Gy.RESULTS The short-term therapeutic effects were CR 95.3% and PR 4.7%. The 3 and 5-year local control rates were 93.5% and 87.9%. The overall 3-year survival rate was 87.5% and for Stages Ⅱ and Ⅲ , 90.9% and 81.5% respectively; the overall 5-year survival rate was 70% and for Stages II and III, 76.2% and 61% respectively. The rate of radiation complications was 4.7% for radiation cystitis, 7.8% for radiation proctitis, 6.3% for vagina contracture and adhesion and 5.5% for protracted radiation proctitis.CONCLUSION An combination of ^252Cf neutron IBT with El for treatment of cervical carcinoma can be well-tolerated by cervical carcinoma patients. The rate of local tumor control is high and radiation complications are few.

Experiences of Women Receiving Multifraction High Dose-Rate Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer: A Prospective Qualitative Study

Objective: The aim of this study was to establish cervical cancer patients’ expectations and experiences during high dose-rate (HDR) intracavitary brachytherapy procedure, as part of a process to develop guidelines for quality patient-centered care. Methodology: A prospective, qualitative study with a descriptive phenomenological approach was used. Purposive sampling was carried out to recruit 31 women undergoing HDR brachytherapy for cervical cancer from June to August 2020 at the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat. Semi-structured, one-to-one interviews guided by a theme list were conducted by a female radiation oncologist in Arabic before, during and after treatment. The following aspects were discussed: expectations, experiences in the waiting room, in the treatment room, and suggestions for improvement. Data was transcribed, translated and thematic analysis performed. Results: Most of the patients felt unprepared and did not have a clear understanding of brachytherapy. Brachytherapy was a difficult experience causing fear and anxiety throughout treatment. Most women dreaded the procedure, before receiving the first treatment and even after having had one. Pain was a major problem for the participants. Some women compared this pain to childbirth, a process they preferred to brachytherapy. Patients agreed that the preventative medication received was not efficient to relieve the pain. Despite these negative experiences, patients were left with a positive outlook. Dialogue with the healthcare professionals, support from their family and fellow patients, envisaged outcomes and desires to heal were used to cope, whilst faith and spirituality gave them strength to endure the procedure. Conclusion: Women undergoing uterovaginal brachytherapy for cervical cancer experience pain and emotional distress. Providing patients with adequate information, more sensitive support during the procedure and debriefing afterwards could lessen feelings of fear and anxiety. Our findings advocate for the revision of pain management protocols. Further studies should be carried out to define patient-centered recommendations and provide quality care to this group of women.

Informational Needs in Women Undergoing Multifraction High Dose-Rate Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer: A Prospective Qualitative Study

Objective: To identify the informational needs of Moroccan women receiving intracavitary brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer as part of a process to develop guidelines for quality patient-centered care. Methodology: A prospective, qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was carried out at the Brachytherapy unit of the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat, Morocco. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 31 patients undergoing high dose-rate brachytherapy for cervical cancer from July 2020 to August 2020. Semi-structured, one-to-one interviews were conducted by a female radiation oncologist in Arabic, guided by a theme list. The interviews were translated and a thematic analysis was performed. Results: Data saturation was achieved having interviewing 31 participants, aged 27 - 70 years. Findings on patients’ informational needs were the overarching theme and form the focus of this article. The informational needs included: providing patients with disease- and treatment-related information in their home language;adequate information concerning pre-treatment preparation, possible side-effects, and sexual intercourse;and providing patients with informative material adapted to their needs as standard procedure. Conclusion: This study has identified unmet women’s informational needs during brachytherapy for cervical cancer. Providing patients with sufficient and understandable information, adequate preparation before the procedure, more sensitive support during the procedure, and debriefing afterward could lessen feelings of fear and anxiety towards treatment delivery. Guidelines with a patient-centered approach could thus be developed to be used as a tool to assist members of multidisciplinary teams in providing quality care to this group of women.

New era of electronic brachytherapy

Traditional brachytherapy refers to the placement of radioactive sources on or inside the cancer tissues.Based on the type of sources,brachytherapy can be classified as radionuclide and electronic brachytherapy.Electronic brachytherapy uses miniaturized X-raysources instead of radionuclides to deliver high doses of radiation.The advantages of electronic brachytherapy include low dose to organs at risk,reduced dose to treating staff,no leakage radiation in off state,less shielding,and no radioactive waste.Most of these systems operate between 50 and 100 k Vp and are widely used in the treatment of skin cancer.Intrabeam,Xoft and Papillon systems are also used in the treatment of intra-operative radiotherapy to breast in addition to other treatment sites.The rapid fall-off in the dose due to its low energy is a highly desirable property in brachytherapy and results in a reduced dose to the surrounding normal tissues compared to the Ir-192 source.The Xoft Axxent brachytherapy system uses a 2.25 mm miniaturized X-ray tube and the source almost mimics the high dose rate Ir-192 source in terms of dose rate and it is the only electronic brachytherapy system specifically used in the treatment of cervical cancers.One of the limiting factors that impede the use of electronic brachytherapy for interstitial application is the source dimension.However,it is highly anticipated that the design of miniaturized X-ray tube closer to the dimension of an Ir-192 wire is not too far away,and the new era of electronic brachytherapy has just begun.

Iodine-125 interstitial brachytherapy for experimental liver cancer

Objective：To study the effect of iodine-125 interstitial brachytherapy on liver cancer. Methods： Animal model of human liver cancer was established by injecting SMMC-7721 cells cultivated in vitro subcutaneously into the flank of BALB/c nude mice. Nude mice with tumor of 5 mm in diameter were randomly divided into 2 groups （n = 10）. One iodine-125 seed of apparent activity 0.8 mCi was implanted into the center of tumor in treatment group, whereas an inactive seed was implanted in control group. The other 20 nude mice with tumor reaching 10 mm in diameter were also treated as above. The size of tumor was determined weekly after implantation, and pathological examination and blood routine were taken on the 28th day. Results： Tumor growth was obviously inhibited in treatment group of tumor of 5 mm in diameter, and there was statistically significant difference in tumor volume between treatment and control groups （P〈0.01）. Around iodine-125 seed, apparent necrosis of tumor was shown in treatment group, accompanied by karyopyknosis and reduced plasma in residual tumor cells microscopically. Tumor growth was not inhibited in either treatment or control group of tumor of 10 mm in diameter. There was no obvious adverse effect except for decreased white blood cells in treatment groups. Conclusion： There is certain effect of iodine-125 interstitial braehytherapy on liver cancer, which is associated with the size of tumor.

Combining surgery with 125I brachytherapy for recurrent mediastinal dedifferentiated liposarcoma: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Dedifferentiated liposarcoma in the mediastinum is an extremely rare malignant neoplasm.A few previous case reports indicate that surgical resection is the major treatment,but frequent recurrence occurs locally.Due to its rarity,its clinical characteristics,optimal treatment and clinical outcomes remain unclear.Here,we report a case of multifocal recurrent dedifferentiated liposarcoma in the posterior mediastinum treated by combining surgery with 125I brachytherapy,and summarize its clinical features,treatment and prognosis.CASE SUMMARY A 75-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a history of gradual dysphagia for one year and aggravated dysphagia for 3 mo.Contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT)revealed several large cystic-solid masses with lipomatous density,and calcification in the posterior-inferior mediastinum.The patient received a wide excision by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.Pathological analysis confirmed the tumors were dedifferentiated liposarcomas.The tumor locally relapsed 24 mo later,and another operation was performed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.Fifteen months after the second surgery,the tumor recurred again,and the patient received CT-guided radioactive seeds 125I implantation.After 8 mo,follow-up chest CT showed an enlarged tumor.Finally,his condition exacerbated with severe dysphagia and dyspnea,and he died of respiratory failure in July 2018.CONCLUSION We reviewed the literature,and suggest that surgical resection provides beneficial effects for dedifferentiated liposarcoma in the mediastinum,even in cases with local recurrence.125I brachytherapy may be beneficial for recurrent unresectable patients.

Comparative Study of Dose Distribution Homogeneity between 3D-Brachytherapy and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy Techniques in Cervix Cancer Tumors

Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the dosimetric results of the techniques (3D-Brachytherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy IMRT) in patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma (LACC). Method: There are 15 patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma (LACC), after the completion of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for the whole pelvic irradiation 45 Gy/25 fractions, followed by 3D-Brachytherapy 24 Gy per weekly fractions and 36 Gy of IMRT per 18 fractions. Coverage of targets volume and doses received by normal tissue were compared in two techniques. Method: 15 patients of LACC treated with 3D-Brachytherapy were selected for this study. IMRT plans were also created for all the patients. 3D-Brachytherapy and IMRT plans were compared on the basis of target volume coverage, dose to Organs at risk (OAR’s), homogeneity index (HI) and conformity index (CI). Results: The results showed that D90% of HRCTV in the 3D-Brachytherapy was covered more than D90% of PTV in the IMRT of prescribed dose, the D2CC and the V60Gy values of Bladder and rectum were significantly lower than in 3D-Brachytherapy. The HI and CI in 3D-Brachytherapy were found better than IMRT. Conclusion: 3D-Brachytherapy significantly reduced the irradiated volume of OAR’s and improved dose coverage in tumor volume compared to that by IMRT.

探讨经腹部超声引导宫腔管置入在不同分期宫颈癌患者三维腔内近距离放射治疗中的应用价值分析

目的:探讨经腹部超声(TAUS)引导宫腔管置入在ⅠB1~ⅣB期宫颈癌患者三维腔内近距离放射治疗(3D-ICB)中的临床应用及价值。方法:选取2023年6月—12月在贵州省人民医院收治的48例宫颈癌患者为研究对象,按宫腔管置入方法分为常规置入组(24例)和TAUS组(24例),每组均进行120次近距离放射治疗,经CT定位扫描验证两组患者的子宫隐匿穿孔率。结果:TAUS组与常规置入组比较,操作时长缩短(18.71 min vs 13.09 min,P=0.001),术中出血比例下降(19.16%vs 15.83%,P=0.611),CT扫描次数减少(121次vs 132次),隐匿性穿孔率下降(0.83%vs 5.83%,P=0.031),其中TAUS组与常规置入组各个分期穿孔率比较:ⅠB1~ⅡA2期(0.00%vs 0.00%);ⅡB~ⅢB期(0.00%vs 2.20%,P=0.343);ⅢC~ⅣB期(1.54%vs 10.00%,P=0.040)。结论:TAUS引导可以减少不同分期宫颈癌患者在3D-ICB宫腔管置入术中的时长,同时降低ⅢC~ⅣB期宫颈癌患者术后隐匿性穿孔率,为宫颈癌患者尤其是晚期患者的3D-ICB提供了一个更加安全有效的方法。

3D-打印非共面模板辅助CT引导放射性粒子植入治疗中晚期胰腺癌的临床研究

目的:评估3D-打印非共面模板辅助CT引导^(125)I粒子植入治疗中晚期胰腺癌的临床价值。方法:回顾性分析2017年1月-2023年6月在2家医院接受放射性^(125)I粒子植入治疗的84例中晚期胰腺癌患者资料。其中20例为3D-打印非共面模板辅助125I粒子植入(A组),64例为徒手植入^(125)I粒子(B组)。所有患者进行术前计划、术后剂量验证。计算术前术后D_(90)、V_(90)、V_(100)、V_(150),以及2组患者手术操作时间。A组的中位随访时间为8.1个月,B组的中位随访时间为6.6个月。术后1~3个月行CT扫描,参照世界卫生组织(WHO)实体肿瘤疗效标准(RECIST)进行疗效评估。比较分析2组的总体生存(OS)及不良事件发生。Kaplan-Meier生存曲线用于计算生存率,并使用对数秩检验进行比较。Cox回归分析用于估计变量和结果之间关联的风险比(HR)和95%置信区间(CI)。结果:所有患者均成功植入^(125)I粒子。植入术后,A组和B组术后D_(90)均值、V_(90)、V_(100)、V_(150)与术前相比,差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05),分别为(145.18±5.00)Gy vs (135.14±4.21)Gy、(96.37±0.71)%vs (95.25±0.81)%、(94.47±0.92)%vs (92.84±1.08)%、(75.89±2.17)%vs(76.10±1.77)%,以及(136.15±1.58)Gy vs (134.96±1.49)Gy、(96.20±0.35)%vs (96.59±0.31)%、(93.80±0.40)%vs (93.93±0.40)%、(74.49±0.96)%vs (74.22±0.49)%。A组手术操作时间为(42.1±7.1)min (1次穿刺将全部穿刺针同时植入),低于B组的(57.6±6.5)min(穿刺次数一般2~3次),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。A组治疗总有效率为75.0%,B组治疗总有效率为70.3%,2组间差异无统计学意义(P=0.685)。A组和B组半年、1年、2年OS率分别为65%、20%、10%和56.7%、12.5%、4.7%,2组间差异无统计学意义(P=0.662)。病灶大小是OS的独立预测因素(P=0.001)。A组仅有2例患者发生术后少量渗血,静推2 U注射用蛇毒血凝酶(巴曲亭)后24 h内吸收。结论:3D打印模板辅助碘粒子植入治疗胰腺癌证明了有效性且缩短了手术时间、减少穿刺次数,降低手术难度,避免反复定位从而降低CT辐射受量,提高患者耐受度;在剂量学控制、术后近期疗效、总体生存率方面与徒手碘粒子植入治疗胰腺癌相比没有差异。

腔内联合组织间插植放疗与三维后装腔内放疗治疗局部晚期宫颈癌的疗效及剂量学参数比较

目的:对比腔内联合组织间插植放疗(intracavitary/interstitial brachytherapy,IC-ISBT)与三维后装腔内放疗(intracavitary brachytherapy,ICBT)两种方式在宫颈癌近距离治疗中的疗效与剂量学差异。方法:回顾性分析2019年01月至2021年12月于我院接受根治性放疗的61例宫颈癌患者的资料,按照治疗方法不同分为IC-ISBT组和ICBT组,对比两组近期疗效、不良反应发生率以及剂量学差异。结果:IC-ISBT组的HR-CTV D_(90%)高于ICBT组,且差异有统计学意义(P=0.026);IC-ISBT组的直肠D_(2cm^(3))、D_(1cm^(3))和膀胱D_(2cm^(3))、D_(1cm^(3))显著低于ICBT组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);IC-ISBT组完全缓解率明显高于ICBT组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);IC-ISBT组放射性肠炎发生率明显低于ICBT组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:IC-ISBT治疗能显著提高靶区剂量的同时降低直肠、膀胱的受量,提高肿瘤客观缓解率,降低不良反应发生率。

瑞马唑仑复合阿芬太尼抑制宫颈癌组织间插植术体动反应的半数有效剂量

目的探索瑞马唑仑复合阿芬太尼抑制宫颈癌组织间插植术体动反应的半数有效剂量(ED_(50))。方法选择辽宁省肿瘤医院2023年7月至10月宫颈癌组织间插植术患者25例,所有患者缓慢静注7μg/kg阿芬太尼,随后注射瑞马唑仑0.25 mg/kg,睫毛反射消失后进行宫颈癌组织间插植术。根据Dixon改良序贯法,若在插植过程中出现体动反应为阳性反应,下一位患者增加瑞马唑仑用量,否则为阴性反应,降低用量,剂量梯度0.01 mg/kg,直到出现7次折返,停止试验。记录入室时(T_(1))、给药完毕时(T_(2))、手术开始时(T_(3))、手术结束时(T_(4))患者心率(HR)、平均动脉压(MAP)、血氧饱和度(SpO_(2))、脑电双频指数(BIS)水平变化及术中不良反应,采用Probit analysis概率单位回归分析计算瑞马唑仑的ED50及95%CI。结果纳入患者25例,阳性反应14例,阴性反应11例,患者术中生命体征平稳,2例一过性低血压,1例一过性心动过缓。复合阿芬太尼时,瑞马唑仑用于抑制宫颈癌组织间插植术体动反应的ED_(50)为0.28 mg/kg(95%CI:0.27~0.30 mg/kg)。结论瑞马唑仑复合阿芬太尼抑制宫颈癌组织间插植术体动反应的ED50为0.28 mg/kg(95%CI:0.27~0.30 mg/kg),患者呼吸循环稳定,镇静效果良好。

宫颈癌根治术联合新辅助化疗与腔内近距离后装放疗治疗局部晚期宫颈癌的临床效果

目的:分析宫颈癌根治术联合新辅助化疗与腔内近距离后装放疗治疗局部晚期宫颈癌(LACC)的临床效果。方法:选取2014年1月—2018年6月南通大学附属肿瘤医院收治的Ⅰb2期、Ⅱa2期LACC患者86例作为研究对象,采用随机数字表法分为观察组(n=46)和对照组(n=40)。对照组行宫颈癌根治术,观察组在术前行新辅助化疗及腔内近距离后装放疗。比较两组手术情况、术后住院时间、不良反应发生情况及生存情况。结果:观察组手术时间、术后住院时间短于对照组,术中出血量少于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);两组输尿管尿瘘、尿潴留、肾积水、肠梗阻、下肢静脉血栓、盆腔淋巴囊肿合并感染发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);两组3年无进展生存率、3年总生存率、中位生存时间比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:宫颈癌根治术联合新辅助化疗与腔内近距离后装放疗治疗LACC的临床效果较好,可缩短手术治疗时间、减少术中出血量,加快术后恢复,且不会增加不良反应发生风险,不影响预后效果。

宫颈癌病人组织间插植治疗期间症状体验及心理感受的质性研究

目的:探讨宫颈癌病人行组织间插植治疗期间的症状体验和心理感受,为临床医护人员全面评估病人治疗期间症状表现并完善症状管理、促进病人康复提供依据。方法:采用目的抽样法,选取17例行组织间插植的宫颈癌病人进行半结构式访谈,通过Colaizzi 7步分析法对访谈内容进行分析。结果:归纳出3个主题,生理不适感(下腹部疼痛不适,头晕、恶心、呕吐,排尿功能障碍,阴道出血,睡眠障碍);心理负担重(对治疗方式的陌生感,强烈的抗拒心理,尊严缺失感,难以启齿的性问题);家庭社会支持体系困扰(角色的转变与责任的变更,原有生活规律被打乱,家庭照护的困扰)。结论:医护人员需关注宫颈癌组织间插植病人在治疗期间的症状及心理感受,并采取合理恰当的方式对其提供针对性的支持和帮助,以提高其治疗期间的生活质量。