Aim: To analyze the inter-fraction, intra-fraction uncertainties and to verify the delivered total dose with planned dose in the combined intracavitary-interstitial brachytherapy of gynaecological cancer patients usin...Aim: To analyze the inter-fraction, intra-fraction uncertainties and to verify the delivered total dose with planned dose in the combined intracavitary-interstitial brachytherapy of gynaecological cancer patients using microMOSFET in-vivo dosimeter. Materials and Methods: Between May 2014 and March 2016, 22 patients who underwent brachytherapy treatments with an applicator combination of CT/MR compatible tandem, ring and Syed-Neblett template-guided rigid needles were included in this study. Specially designed microMOSFET, after calibration, was used to analyze the variations in dosimetry of combined intracavitary-interstitial application. Results: The standard deviation for Inter-fraction variation among 22 combined intracavitary interstitial applications ranged between 0.86% and 10.92%. When compared with the first fraction dose, the minimum and maximum dose variations were −9.5% and 26.36%, respectively. However, the mean doses varied between −5.95% and 14.49%. Intra-fraction variation, which is the difference of TPS calculated dose with first fraction microMOSFET-measured dose ranges from −6.77% to 8.68%. The variations in the delivered total mean dose in 66 sessions with planned doses were −3.09% to 10.83%. Conclusions: It is found that there was a gradual increase in microMOSFET measured doses as compared to the first fraction with that of subsequent fractions in 19 out of 22 applications. Tumor deformation and edema may be the influencing factors, but the applicator movements played a major role for the variations. We find that the microMOSFET is an easy and reliable system for independent verification of uncertainties during ICBT-ISBT treatments.展开更多
Background: Treatment of Cervical cancer includes a combination of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT). ICBT helps to boost radiation dose to primary disease. Organs like rectum, ...Background: Treatment of Cervical cancer includes a combination of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT). ICBT helps to boost radiation dose to primary disease. Organs like rectum, bladder, sigmoid and small bowel lie close to the cervix region and these organs receive dose from EBRT as well as ICBT and we want to know the dose to these organ at risk (OAR). Materials & Methods: Dosimetric details of 174 ICBT applications done in 58 patients were retrospectively analysed. All patients received EBRT dose of 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions. All patients had ICBT, three sessions with 7 Gy prescribed to point A. Dosimetric data including dose to right and left point A and dose to OARs were recorded from Oncentra Planning System. Results: Mean dose to point A on right side was 6.89 Gy and left side was 6.91 Gy. Mean D2cc dose to rectum, bladder, sigmoid and small bowel was 3.5 Gy, 5.25 Gy, 4.75 Gy and 4.2 Gy respectively. Mean EQD2 dose combining EBRT and ICBT in point A was 78.7 Gy on right side and 79 Gy on left side. Mean EQD2 doses to D2cc of rectum, bladder, sigmoid and small bowel was 62 Gy, 74.4 Gy, 70.5 Gy and 66.5 Gy respectively. Conclusion: From the results of this dosimetric study it is evident that OARs like rectum, sigmoid, bladder & bowel are receiving only acceptable doses of radiation using point A prescribed CT based ICBT planning. Hence with regards to OAR doses, CT based ICBT planning with dose prescribed to point A is a feasible option.展开更多
Purpose: Curative radiation therapy is an established treatment option for non-surgical patients with early-stage endometrial carcinoma. Dosimetric analyses were performed using a single tandem, double tandem, Heyman ...Purpose: Curative radiation therapy is an established treatment option for non-surgical patients with early-stage endometrial carcinoma. Dosimetric analyses were performed using a single tandem, double tandem, Heyman capsules, and an inflatable intrauterine balloon to assess the dose homogeneity and conformality in the definitive treatment of inoperable endometrial cancer. Methods and Materials: Patients’ informed-consent was obtained. Dosimetric analyses were performed using four different after-loading applicators to assess the dose homogeneity and conformality of isodose to the three-dimensional (3-D) shape of the target volume (uterus) based on CT data in four patients (n = 4). The single tandem and double tandems were standard Fletcher-type (Nucletron Corporation, Columbia, MD). Heyman capsules were the disposable after-loading type (Radiation Products Design, Inc., Albertville, MN). The inflatable balloon with a central bi-lumen catheter was the Mammo Site Radiation Therapy System (Proxima Therapeutics, Alpharetta, GA) that is currently used for local breast brachytherapy. Treatment planning and dosimetric analyses for all four techniques were done with HDR PLATO Brachytherapy (v14.2.3) Software (Nucletron Corporation). Results: The average dose gradient within the target (uterine wall) is highest with the tandem methods, followed by Heyman capsules. The intrauterine balloon method showed the least dose gradient across the uterine wall. The corresponding average homogeneity indices were 3.81, 3.83, 2.97, 2.50 for single tandem, double tandem, Heyman capsules, and intrauterine balloon respectively. Conclusions: The intra-uterine inflatable balloon appears to have the best overall dosimetric advantages for the treatment of the uterine wall. Furthermore, the potential ease of use, shorter time of applicator placement, and better patient comfort warrant further investigation and subsequent clinical implementation.展开更多
Objective:To observe the effects of Methyl Carboprost and Diclofenac Sodium on opening orifice of uterus and pain controlling in patients with uterine cervix cancer (UCC) when receiving intracavitary brachytherapy. Me...Objective:To observe the effects of Methyl Carboprost and Diclofenac Sodium on opening orifice of uterus and pain controlling in patients with uterine cervix cancer (UCC) when receiving intracavitary brachytherapy. Methods: Sixty patients with UCC of stage IIA-IIIB were divided into three groups randomly before receiving the intracavitary brachytherapy: the patients in group A received Methyl Carboprost in the hind fornix of the vagina, group B received Diclofenac Sodium in the anus, while group C was the control group. Results: The painlessness rates in groups A, B and C were 89.9%, 91.3% and 36.4%, respectively. The incidences of patients with relaxed uterus cervix in groups A, B and C were 91.7%, 85.9% and 48.9%, respectively. Conclusion: Methyl Carboprost and Diclofenac Sodium are useful in relaxing uterus cervix and pain controlling in patients with UCC when receiving intracavitary brachytherapy.展开更多
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). Meth...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.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the results and complications associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with combined external-beam radiotherapy (EBR) and intracavitary brachytherapy (IB) using a new-type app...OBJECTIVE To evaluate the results and complications associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with combined external-beam radiotherapy (EBR) and intracavitary brachytherapy (IB) using a new-type applicator. METHODS Eighty patients with untreated NPC were divided into two groups based on therapy methods. An experimental group was treated with EBR plus IB and a control group was treated only with EBR. IB was given to the patients of the experimental group when the external radiotherapy dose amounted to more than 60~65 Gy. The total dose of IB was 6~20 Gy and the total dose of EBR of the control group was 70~75 Gy. RESULTS Follow-up was conducted for 97.5% of the patients with re- suits as follows: the overall response rates (ORR) for the experimental and the control groups were 92.5% and 75.3% respectively (P〈0.05); the 3 and 5-year survival rates for the experimental group were 87.5% and 74.2% and for the control group, 65.0% and 55.6% (P〈0.05); for the experimental group, the 3 and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 72.5% and 64.5% and for the control group, 60.0% and 52.8% (P〉0.05).Some complications following radiotherapy showed a significant difference. CONCLUSION External irradiation plus intracavitary brachytherapy using a new-type applicator may improve the ORR and survival rates, reduce radiation complications and increase the quality of life. 展开更多
Brachytherapy forms an integral part of the radiation therapy in cancer cervix. The dose prescription for intracavitary brachytherapy(ICBT) in cancer cervix is based on Tod and Meredith's point A and has been in p...Brachytherapy forms an integral part of the radiation therapy in cancer cervix. The dose prescription for intracavitary brachytherapy(ICBT) in cancer cervix is based on Tod and Meredith's point A and has been in practice since 1938. This was proposed at a time when accessibility to imaging technology and dose computation facilities was limited. The concept has been in practice worldwide for more than half a century and has been the fulcrum of all ICBT treatments, strategies and outcome measures. The method is simple and can be adapted by all centres practicing ICBT in cancer cervix. However, with the widespread availability of imaging techniques, clinical use of different dose-rates, availability of a host of applicators fabricated with image compatible materials, radiobiological implications of dose equivalence and its impact on tumour and organs at risk; more and more weight is being laid down on individualised image based brachytherapy. Thus, computed tomography, magnetic-resonance imaging and even positron emission computerized tomographyalong with brachytherapy treatment planning system are being increasingly adopted with promising outcomes. The present article reviews the evolution of dose prescription concepts in ICBT in cancer cervix and brings forward the need for image based brachytherapy to evaluate clinical outcomes. As is evident, a gradual transition from "point" based brachytherapy to "profile" based image guided brachytherapy is gaining widespread acceptance for dose prescription, reporting and outcome evaluation in the clinical practice of ICBT in cancer cervix.展开更多
目的:比较局部晚期宫颈癌采用标准三管施源器的腔内后装(tandem and ovoid)与腔内结合组织间插植后装的剂量学差异。方法:CT引导下的三维适形近距离治疗局部晚期宫颈癌患者20例,间隔采用三管式腔内后装与腔内结合组织间插植共72次。按...目的:比较局部晚期宫颈癌采用标准三管施源器的腔内后装(tandem and ovoid)与腔内结合组织间插植后装的剂量学差异。方法:CT引导下的三维适形近距离治疗局部晚期宫颈癌患者20例,间隔采用三管式腔内后装与腔内结合组织间插植共72次。按照施源器的不同分成2个组,每组36次,对靶区剂量、危及器官等进行比较。结果:在给予A点相同处方剂量的情况下,HR-CTV D90、D100在三管式腔内后装组与腔内结合组织间插植后装组中分别为(590.0±46.4)cGy、(471.2±66.2)cGy,(502.8±67.7)cGy、(335.9±46.0)cGy,P<0.05),膀胱、直肠、乙状结肠D2cc均相近(P=0.85、0.28、0.53)。结论:采用腔内结合插植后装治疗局部晚期宫颈癌比三管式腔内后装可获得更高的靶区剂量,但长期疗效及晚期反应仍需进一步研究。展开更多
文摘Aim: To analyze the inter-fraction, intra-fraction uncertainties and to verify the delivered total dose with planned dose in the combined intracavitary-interstitial brachytherapy of gynaecological cancer patients using microMOSFET in-vivo dosimeter. Materials and Methods: Between May 2014 and March 2016, 22 patients who underwent brachytherapy treatments with an applicator combination of CT/MR compatible tandem, ring and Syed-Neblett template-guided rigid needles were included in this study. Specially designed microMOSFET, after calibration, was used to analyze the variations in dosimetry of combined intracavitary-interstitial application. Results: The standard deviation for Inter-fraction variation among 22 combined intracavitary interstitial applications ranged between 0.86% and 10.92%. When compared with the first fraction dose, the minimum and maximum dose variations were −9.5% and 26.36%, respectively. However, the mean doses varied between −5.95% and 14.49%. Intra-fraction variation, which is the difference of TPS calculated dose with first fraction microMOSFET-measured dose ranges from −6.77% to 8.68%. The variations in the delivered total mean dose in 66 sessions with planned doses were −3.09% to 10.83%. Conclusions: It is found that there was a gradual increase in microMOSFET measured doses as compared to the first fraction with that of subsequent fractions in 19 out of 22 applications. Tumor deformation and edema may be the influencing factors, but the applicator movements played a major role for the variations. We find that the microMOSFET is an easy and reliable system for independent verification of uncertainties during ICBT-ISBT treatments.
文摘Background: Treatment of Cervical cancer includes a combination of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT). ICBT helps to boost radiation dose to primary disease. Organs like rectum, bladder, sigmoid and small bowel lie close to the cervix region and these organs receive dose from EBRT as well as ICBT and we want to know the dose to these organ at risk (OAR). Materials & Methods: Dosimetric details of 174 ICBT applications done in 58 patients were retrospectively analysed. All patients received EBRT dose of 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions. All patients had ICBT, three sessions with 7 Gy prescribed to point A. Dosimetric data including dose to right and left point A and dose to OARs were recorded from Oncentra Planning System. Results: Mean dose to point A on right side was 6.89 Gy and left side was 6.91 Gy. Mean D2cc dose to rectum, bladder, sigmoid and small bowel was 3.5 Gy, 5.25 Gy, 4.75 Gy and 4.2 Gy respectively. Mean EQD2 dose combining EBRT and ICBT in point A was 78.7 Gy on right side and 79 Gy on left side. Mean EQD2 doses to D2cc of rectum, bladder, sigmoid and small bowel was 62 Gy, 74.4 Gy, 70.5 Gy and 66.5 Gy respectively. Conclusion: From the results of this dosimetric study it is evident that OARs like rectum, sigmoid, bladder & bowel are receiving only acceptable doses of radiation using point A prescribed CT based ICBT planning. Hence with regards to OAR doses, CT based ICBT planning with dose prescribed to point A is a feasible option.
文摘Purpose: Curative radiation therapy is an established treatment option for non-surgical patients with early-stage endometrial carcinoma. Dosimetric analyses were performed using a single tandem, double tandem, Heyman capsules, and an inflatable intrauterine balloon to assess the dose homogeneity and conformality in the definitive treatment of inoperable endometrial cancer. Methods and Materials: Patients’ informed-consent was obtained. Dosimetric analyses were performed using four different after-loading applicators to assess the dose homogeneity and conformality of isodose to the three-dimensional (3-D) shape of the target volume (uterus) based on CT data in four patients (n = 4). The single tandem and double tandems were standard Fletcher-type (Nucletron Corporation, Columbia, MD). Heyman capsules were the disposable after-loading type (Radiation Products Design, Inc., Albertville, MN). The inflatable balloon with a central bi-lumen catheter was the Mammo Site Radiation Therapy System (Proxima Therapeutics, Alpharetta, GA) that is currently used for local breast brachytherapy. Treatment planning and dosimetric analyses for all four techniques were done with HDR PLATO Brachytherapy (v14.2.3) Software (Nucletron Corporation). Results: The average dose gradient within the target (uterine wall) is highest with the tandem methods, followed by Heyman capsules. The intrauterine balloon method showed the least dose gradient across the uterine wall. The corresponding average homogeneity indices were 3.81, 3.83, 2.97, 2.50 for single tandem, double tandem, Heyman capsules, and intrauterine balloon respectively. Conclusions: The intra-uterine inflatable balloon appears to have the best overall dosimetric advantages for the treatment of the uterine wall. Furthermore, the potential ease of use, shorter time of applicator placement, and better patient comfort warrant further investigation and subsequent clinical implementation.
文摘Objective:To observe the effects of Methyl Carboprost and Diclofenac Sodium on opening orifice of uterus and pain controlling in patients with uterine cervix cancer (UCC) when receiving intracavitary brachytherapy. Methods: Sixty patients with UCC of stage IIA-IIIB were divided into three groups randomly before receiving the intracavitary brachytherapy: the patients in group A received Methyl Carboprost in the hind fornix of the vagina, group B received Diclofenac Sodium in the anus, while group C was the control group. Results: The painlessness rates in groups A, B and C were 89.9%, 91.3% and 36.4%, respectively. The incidences of patients with relaxed uterus cervix in groups A, B and C were 91.7%, 85.9% and 48.9%, respectively. Conclusion: Methyl Carboprost and Diclofenac Sodium are useful in relaxing uterus cervix and pain controlling in patients with UCC when receiving intracavitary brachytherapy.
文摘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.
文摘OBJECTIVE To evaluate the results and complications associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with combined external-beam radiotherapy (EBR) and intracavitary brachytherapy (IB) using a new-type applicator. METHODS Eighty patients with untreated NPC were divided into two groups based on therapy methods. An experimental group was treated with EBR plus IB and a control group was treated only with EBR. IB was given to the patients of the experimental group when the external radiotherapy dose amounted to more than 60~65 Gy. The total dose of IB was 6~20 Gy and the total dose of EBR of the control group was 70~75 Gy. RESULTS Follow-up was conducted for 97.5% of the patients with re- suits as follows: the overall response rates (ORR) for the experimental and the control groups were 92.5% and 75.3% respectively (P〈0.05); the 3 and 5-year survival rates for the experimental group were 87.5% and 74.2% and for the control group, 65.0% and 55.6% (P〈0.05); for the experimental group, the 3 and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 72.5% and 64.5% and for the control group, 60.0% and 52.8% (P〉0.05).Some complications following radiotherapy showed a significant difference. CONCLUSION External irradiation plus intracavitary brachytherapy using a new-type applicator may improve the ORR and survival rates, reduce radiation complications and increase the quality of life.
文摘Brachytherapy forms an integral part of the radiation therapy in cancer cervix. The dose prescription for intracavitary brachytherapy(ICBT) in cancer cervix is based on Tod and Meredith's point A and has been in practice since 1938. This was proposed at a time when accessibility to imaging technology and dose computation facilities was limited. The concept has been in practice worldwide for more than half a century and has been the fulcrum of all ICBT treatments, strategies and outcome measures. The method is simple and can be adapted by all centres practicing ICBT in cancer cervix. However, with the widespread availability of imaging techniques, clinical use of different dose-rates, availability of a host of applicators fabricated with image compatible materials, radiobiological implications of dose equivalence and its impact on tumour and organs at risk; more and more weight is being laid down on individualised image based brachytherapy. Thus, computed tomography, magnetic-resonance imaging and even positron emission computerized tomographyalong with brachytherapy treatment planning system are being increasingly adopted with promising outcomes. The present article reviews the evolution of dose prescription concepts in ICBT in cancer cervix and brings forward the need for image based brachytherapy to evaluate clinical outcomes. As is evident, a gradual transition from "point" based brachytherapy to "profile" based image guided brachytherapy is gaining widespread acceptance for dose prescription, reporting and outcome evaluation in the clinical practice of ICBT in cancer cervix.
文摘目的:比较局部晚期宫颈癌采用标准三管施源器的腔内后装(tandem and ovoid)与腔内结合组织间插植后装的剂量学差异。方法:CT引导下的三维适形近距离治疗局部晚期宫颈癌患者20例,间隔采用三管式腔内后装与腔内结合组织间插植共72次。按照施源器的不同分成2个组,每组36次,对靶区剂量、危及器官等进行比较。结果:在给予A点相同处方剂量的情况下,HR-CTV D90、D100在三管式腔内后装组与腔内结合组织间插植后装组中分别为(590.0±46.4)cGy、(471.2±66.2)cGy,(502.8±67.7)cGy、(335.9±46.0)cGy,P<0.05),膀胱、直肠、乙状结肠D2cc均相近(P=0.85、0.28、0.53)。结论:采用腔内结合插植后装治疗局部晚期宫颈癌比三管式腔内后装可获得更高的靶区剂量,但长期疗效及晚期反应仍需进一步研究。