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Flynn RT, Smith BR, Adams QE, Patwardhan K, Graves SA, Hopfensperger KM. A re-activation model for 169Yb intensity modulated brachytherapy sources accounting for spatiotemporal isotopic composition. Med Phys 2024; 51:3604-3618. [PMID: 38558460 DOI: 10.1002/mp.17048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intensity modulated brachytherapy based on partially shielded intracavitary and interstitial applicators is possible with a cost-effective 169Yb production method. 169Yb is a traditionally expensive isotope suitable for this purpose, with an average γ-ray energy of 93 keV. Re-activating a single 169Yb source multiple times in a nuclear reactor between clinical uses was shown to theoretically reduce cost by approximately 75% relative to conventional single-activation sources. With re-activation, substantial spatiotemporal variation in isotopic source composition is expected between activations via 168Yb burnup and 169Yb decay, resulting in time dependent neutron transmission, precursor usage, and reactor time needed per re-activation. PURPOSE To introduce a generalized model of radioactive source production that accounts for spatiotemporal variation in isotopic source composition to improve the efficiency estimate of the 169Yb production process, with and without re-activation. METHODS AND MATERIALS A time-dependent thermal neutron transport, isotope transmutation, and decay model was developed. Thermal neutron flux within partitioned sub-volumes of a cylindrical active source was calculated by raytracing through the spatiotemporal dependent isotopic composition throughout the source, accounting for thermal neutron attenuation along each ray. The model was benchmarked, generalized, and applied to a variety of active source dimensions with radii ranging from 0.4 to 1.0 mm, lengths from 2.5 to 10.5 mm, and volumes from 0.31 to 7.85 mm3, at thermal neutron fluxes from 1 × 1014 to 1 × 1015 n cm-2 s-1. The 168Yb-Yb2O3 density was 8.5 g cm-3 with 82% 168Yb-enrichment. As an example, a reference re-activatable 169Yb active source (RRS) constructed of 82%-enriched 168Yb-Yb2O3 precursor was modeled, with 0.6 mm diameter, 10.5 mm length, 3 mm3 volume, 8.5 g cm-3 density, and a thermal neutron activation flux of 4 × 1014 neutrons cm-2 s-1. RESULTS The average clinical 169Yb activity for a 0.99 versus 0.31 mm3 source dropped from 20.1 to 7.5 Ci for a 4 × 1014 n cm-2 s-1 activation flux and from 20.9 to 8.7 Ci for a 1 × 1015 n cm-2 s-1 activation flux. For thermal neutron fluxes ≥2 × 1014 n cm-2 s-1, total precursor and reactor time per clinic-year were maximized at a source volume of 0.99 mm3 and reached a near minimum at 3 mm3. When the spatiotemporal isotopic composition effect was accounted for, average thermal neutron transmission increased over RRS lifetime from 23.6% to 55.9%. A 28% reduction (42.5 days to 30.6 days) in the reactor time needed per clinic-year for the RRS is predicted relative to a model that does not account for spatiotemporal isotopic composition effects. CONCLUSIONS Accounting for spatiotemporal isotopic composition effects within the RRS results in a 28% reduction in the reactor time per clinic-year relative to the case in which such changes are not accounted for. Smaller volume sources had a disadvantage in that average clinical 169Yb activity decreased substantially below 20 Ci for source volumes under 1 mm3. Increasing source volume above 3 mm3 adds little value in precursor and reactor time savings and has a geometric disadvantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan T Flynn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Blake R Smith
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Quentin E Adams
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Stephen A Graves
- Department of Radiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Hopfensperger KM, Adams QE, Kim Y, Wu X, Xu W, Patwardhan K, Flynn RT. The population percentile allowance method for determining systematic spatial error tolerances for temporary intensity modulated brachytherapy. Med Phys 2023; 50:6469-6478. [PMID: 37643427 PMCID: PMC10592112 DOI: 10.1002/mp.16668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple approaches are under development for delivering temporary intensity modulated brachytherapy (IMBT) using partially shielded applicators wherein the delivered dose distributions are sensitive to spatial uncertainties in both the applicator position and shield orientation, rather than only applicator position as with conventional high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT). Sensitivity analyses to spatial uncertainties have been reported as components of publications on these emerging technologies, however, a generalized framework for the rigorous determination of the spatial uncertainty tolerances of dose-volume parameters is needed. PURPOSE To derive and present the population percentile allowance (PPA) method, a generalized mathematical and statistical framework to evaluate the tolerance of temporary IMBT approaches to spatial uncertainties in applicator position and shield orientation. METHODS A mathematical formalism describing geometric applicator position and shield orientation shifts was derived that supports straight and curved applicators and applies to serial and helical rotating shield brachytherapy (RSBT) and direction modulated brachytherapy (DMBT). The PPA method entails defining the percentage of a patient population receiving a given therapy that is, allowed to receive dose-volume errors in the target volume and specified organs at risk of a defined percentage or less, then determining what combinations of applicator position and shield orientation systematic errors would be expected to produce that outcome in the population. The PPA method was applied to the use case of multi-shield helical 169 Yb-based RSBT for cervical cancer, with 45° and 180° shield emission angles. A total of 37 cervical cancer patients were considered in the population, with average (± 1 standard deviation) HR-CTV volumes of 79 cm3 ± 37 cm3 and optimized baseline treatment plans (no spatial uncertainties applied) created for each patient to meet dose-volume requirements of 85 GyEQD2 (equivalent uniform dose in 2 Gy fraction), with D2cc tolerance doses of 90 GyEQD2 , 75 GyEQD2 , and 75 GyEQD2 for bladder, rectum, and sigmoid colon, respectively. RESULTS For the PPA requirement that 90% of cervical cancer patients receiving multi-shield helical RSBT could have a maximum dose-volume uncertainty of 10% for high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) D90 (minimum dose to hottest 90%) and bladder, rectum, and sigmoid colon D2cc (minimum dose to hottest 2 cm3 ), the tolerance systematic applicator position and shield orientation uncertainties were approximately ± 1.0 mm and ± 4.25°, respectively. For ± 1.5 mm and ± 5° systematic applicator position and shield orientation tolerances, 90% of the patients considered would have a maximum dose-volume uncertainty of 12.8% or less. CONCLUSION The PPA method was formalized to determine the temporary IMBT spatial uncertainty tolerances that would be expected to result in an allowed percentage of a population of patients receiving relative dose-volume errors above a defined percentage. Multi-shield, helical 169 Yb-based RSBT for cervical cancer was evaluated and tolerances determined, which, if applied on each treatment fraction, would represent an extreme situation. The PPA method is applicable to a variety of temporary IMBT approaches and can be used to rigorously determine the design parameters for the delivery systems such as mechanical driver motor accuracy, shield angle backlash, applicator rotation, and applicator fixation stability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Quentin E Adams
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Yusung Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Xiaodong Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Weiyu Xu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Ryan T Flynn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Meftahi M, Qiu RLJ, Patel P, Song WY, Yang X. A novel direction modulated brachytherapy technique for urethra sparing in high-dose-rate brachytherapy of prostate cancer. Radiother Oncol 2023; 186:109801. [PMID: 37423478 PMCID: PMC10528916 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.109801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Image-guided high-dose-rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy is a safe and effective treatment option for prostate cancer patients; however, some patients still experience acute and late genitourinary (GU) toxicity. Studies have shown that urethral dose is associated with the incidence and severity of GU toxicity. Therefore, a technique that can further spare the urethra while ensuring adequate target coverage is highly desirable. Intensity modulated brachytherapy (IMBT) designs, such as rotating shield brachytherapy (RSBT), offer ideal dosimetry theoretically but are challenging to implement clinically due to the need for high precision in moving the treatment delivery mechanisms synchronized with the source loading. In this study, we propose a novel relatively easy-to-implement solution based on the direction modulated brachytherapy (DMBT) design concept, which does not involve moving parts and works effectively with the ubiquitous 192Ir source. MATERIALS AND METHODS The popular Varian VS2000 (VS) and GammaMedPlus (GMP) 192Ir sources, with outer diameters of 0.6 mm and 0.9 mm, respectively, were simulated using the GEANT4 Monte Carlo (MC) simulation code. The novel DMBT needle concept consists of a 14-gauge nitinol needle, which houses a platinum shield inside. A single groove, consistent with the outer diameter of each source, was incorporated inside the platinum shield to accommodate the HDR source. The maximum thickness of the shield was 1.1 mm (0.8 mm) for the VS (GMP) source. To evaluate the effectiveness of the DMBT needle concept in reducing urethral dose, 6 patient cases were studied and DMBT plans were created by replacing two needles close to the urethra with the DMBT needles. The dosimetric comparisons between the DMBT and reference clinical plans were done by assessing the dose-volume histogram (DVH) planning criteria for the target coverage and organs-at-risk. RESULTS The MC results showed that the use of the novel DMBT needle design with the VS source (GMP source) could reduce the dose by 49.6% (39.2%) at 1 cm from the needle behind the platinum shield, as compared to the unshielded side. Additionally, when using the same DVH planning criteria as the original plan, the DMBT plan with the VS (GMP) source reduced the maximum urethral dose by 10.3% ± 5.6% (8.1% ± 5.0%) and 17.7% ± 14.2% (16.6% ± 13.3%) for 0 mm and 2 mm margins, respectively, while maintaining equivalent V90% and D100 target coverage. CONCLUSION The novel DMBT technique offers a promising clinically implementable solution for sparing urethra, particularly in pre-apical region, without compromising the target coverage or increasing treatment time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moeen Meftahi
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, United States
| | - Richard Lei Jingyi Qiu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, United States
| | - Pretesh Patel
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, United States
| | | | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, United States.
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Wen A, Wang X, Wang B, Yan C, Luo J, Wang P, Li J. Radiobiological and dosimetric comparison of 60Co versus 192Ir high-dose-rate intracavitary-interstitial brachytherapy for cervical cancer. Radiat Oncol 2022; 17:206. [PMID: 36514118 PMCID: PMC9749337 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-022-02170-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-dose-rate (HDR) intracavitary-interstitial brachytherapy (IC-ISBT) is an effective treatment for bulky, middle, and advanced cervical cancer. In this study, we compared the differences between 60Co and 192Ir HDR IC-ISBT plans in terms of radiobiological and dosimetric parameters, providing a reference for clinical workers in brachytherapy. METHODS A total of 30 patients with cervical cancer receiving HDR IC-ISBT were included in this study, and IC-ISBT plans for each individual were designed with both 60Co and 192Ir at a prescribed dose of CTV D90 = 6 Gy while keeping the dose to OARs as low as possible. Physical dose and dose-volume parameters of CTV and OARs were extracted from TPS. The EQD2, EUBED, EUD, TCP, and NTCP were calculated using corresponding formulas. The differences between the 60Co and 192Ir IC-ISBT plans were compared using the paired t-test. RESULTS In each patient's 60Co and 192Ir IC-ISBT plan, the average physical dose and EQD2 of 60Co were lower than those of 192Ir, and there were statistically significant differences in D2cc and D1cc for the OARs (p < 0.05); there were statistically significant differences in D0.1 cc for the bladder (p < 0.05) and no significant differences in D0.1 cc for the rectum or intestines (p > 0.05). The EUBED ratio (60Co/192Ir) at the CTV was mostly close to 1 when neither 60Co or 192Ir passed their half-lives or when both passed two half-lives, and the difference between them was not significant; at the OARs, the mean value of 60Co was lower than that of 192Ir. There was no statistical difference between 60Co and 192Ir in the EUD (93.93 versus 93.92 Gy, p > 0.05) and TCP (97.07% versus 97.08%, p > 0.05) of the tumors. The mean NTCP value of 60Co was lower than that of 192Ir. CONCLUSIONS Considering the CTV and OARs, the dosimetric parameters of 60Co and 192Ir are comparable. Compared with 192Ir, the use of 60Co for HDR IC-ISBT can ensure a similar tumor control probability while providing better protection to the OARs. In addition, 60Co has obvious economic advantages and can be promoted as a good alternative to 192Ir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiping Wen
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 China ,grid.415880.00000 0004 1755 2258Department of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Xianliang Wang
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 China ,grid.415880.00000 0004 1755 2258Department of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Bingjie Wang
- grid.16890.360000 0004 1764 6123Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hongkong, 999077 China
| | - Chuanjun Yan
- grid.488387.8Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan China
| | - Jingyue Luo
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 China
| | - Pei Wang
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 China ,grid.415880.00000 0004 1755 2258Department of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Jie Li
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 China ,grid.415880.00000 0004 1755 2258Department of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610041 China
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A Novel Workflow with a Customizable 3D Printed Vaginal Template and a Direction Modulated Brachytherapy (DMBT) Tandem Applicator for Adaptive Interstitial Brachytherapy of the Cervix. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11236989. [PMID: 36498563 PMCID: PMC9738087 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11236989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel clinical workflow utilizing a direction modulated brachytherapy (DMBT) tandem applicator in combination with a patient-specific, 3D printed vaginal needle-track template for an advanced image-guided adaptive interstitial brachytherapy of the cervix. The proposed workflow has three main steps: (1) pre-treatment MRI, (2) an initial optimization of the needle positions based on the DMBT tandem positioning and patient anatomy, and a subsequent inverse optimization using the combined DMBT tandem and needles, and (3) rapid 3D printing. We retrospectively re-planned five patient cases for two scenarios; one plan with the DMBT tandem (T) and ovoids (O) with the original needle (ND) positions (DMBT + O + ND) and another with the DMBT T&O and spatially reoptimized needles (OptN) positions (DMBT + O + OptN). All retrospectively reoptimized plans have been compared to the original plan (OP) as well. The accuracy of 3D printing was verified through the image registration between the planning CT and the CT of the 3D-printed template. The average difference in D2cc for the bladder, rectum, and sigmoid between the OPs and DMBT + O + OptNs were -8.03 ± 4.04%, -18.67 ± 5.07%, and -26.53 ± 4.85%, respectively. In addition, these average differences between the DMBT + O + ND and DMBT + O + OptNs were -2.55 ± 1.87%, -10.70 ± 3.45%, and -22.03 ± 6.01%, respectively. The benefits could be significant for the patients in terms of target coverage and normal tissue sparing and increase the optimality over free-hand needle positioning.
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6
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Joya M, Nedaie HA, Geraily G, Seiri M, Ghorbani M, Sheikhzadeh P. Intensity-modulated brachytherapy for vaginal cancer. Radiol Phys Technol 2022; 15:387-397. [PMID: 36069978 DOI: 10.1007/s12194-022-00680-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the dose modulation potential of static and dynamic steel-shielded applicators using the Geant4 Application for Emission Tomography (GATE) Monte Carlo code for the treatment of vaginal cancer. The GATE TOOLKIT (version 9.0) was used to simulate vaginal cancer intensity-modulated brachytherapy (IMBT) in a pelvic water-equivalent phantom. IMBT performance of a multichannel static and single-channel dynamic steel-shielded applicator was compared to that of a conventional multichannel Plexiglas applicator. DoseActors were defined to calculate the absorbed dose and attached to the voxelized target and organs at risk (OARs). 60Co and 192Ir high-dose-rate seeds were used as irradiation sources. Dynamic IMBT decreased the D2cc of the rectum and bladder by 28.67 and 28.11% using the 60Co source and by 40.00 and 36.34% using the 192Ir source, respectively. Static IMBT decreased the D2cc for the rectum and bladder by 11.69 and 9.29% using the 60Co source and by 22.21 and 17.71% using the 192Ir source, respectively. In contrast, absorbed dose parameters (D5, D90, and D100) for the target in the three techniques showed a mean relative variation of 0.96% (0.00-7.49%) for both sources. Static and dynamic IMBT using steel-shielded applicators provided relatively better OAR protection while maintaining similar target coverage in the treatment of vaginal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Musa Joya
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Radiology Department, Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Kabul, Afghanistan.
| | - Hassan Ali Nedaie
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghazale Geraily
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Seiri
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging (RCMCI), Advanced Medical Technologies and Equipment Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Ghorbani
- Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics Department, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peyman Sheikhzadeh
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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7
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Bholane G, Ganesapandy T, Phatangare A, Attar F, Dahiwale S, Suryanarayana S, Bhoraskar V, Dhole S. Activation cross section measurements and estimation of photon and neutron induced nuclear reactions for ytterbium isotopes with covariance analysis. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2022.110066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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8
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Meftahi M, Fields E, Guy C, Song WY. The Design of a Novel Direction Modulated Brachytherapy Vaginal Cylinder Applicator for Optimizing Coverage of the Apex. Med Phys 2022; 49:3926-3935. [DOI: 10.1002/mp.15666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Moeen Meftahi
- Department of Radiation Oncology Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia USA
| | - Emma Fields
- Department of Radiation Oncology Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia USA
| | - Christopher Guy
- Department of Radiation Oncology Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia USA
| | - William Y. Song
- Department of Radiation Oncology Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia USA
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Song WY, Robar JL, Morén B, Larsson T, Carlsson Tedgren Å, Jia X. Emerging technologies in brachytherapy. Phys Med Biol 2021; 66. [PMID: 34710856 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ac344d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Brachytherapy is a mature treatment modality. The literature is abundant in terms of review articles and comprehensive books on the latest established as well as evolving clinical practices. The intent of this article is to part ways and look beyond the current state-of-the-art and review emerging technologies that are noteworthy and perhaps may drive the future innovations in the field. There are plenty of candidate topics that deserve a deeper look, of course, but with practical limits in this communicative platform, we explore four topics that perhaps is worthwhile to review in detail at this time. First, intensity modulated brachytherapy (IMBT) is reviewed. The IMBT takes advantage ofanisotropicradiation profile generated through intelligent high-density shielding designs incorporated onto sources and applicators such to achieve high quality plans. Second, emerging applications of 3D printing (i.e. additive manufacturing) in brachytherapy are reviewed. With the advent of 3D printing, interest in this technology in brachytherapy has been immense and translation swift due to their potential to tailor applicators and treatments customizable to each individual patient. This is followed by, in third, innovations in treatment planning concerning catheter placement and dwell times where new modelling approaches, solution algorithms, and technological advances are reviewed. And, fourth and lastly, applications of a new machine learning technique, called deep learning, which has the potential to improve and automate all aspects of brachytherapy workflow, are reviewed. We do not expect that all ideas and innovations reviewed in this article will ultimately reach clinic but, nonetheless, this review provides a decent glimpse of what is to come. It would be exciting to monitor as IMBT, 3D printing, novel optimization algorithms, and deep learning technologies evolve over time and translate into pilot testing and sensibly phased clinical trials, and ultimately make a difference for cancer patients. Today's fancy is tomorrow's reality. The future is bright for brachytherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Y Song
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - James L Robar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Björn Morén
- Department of Mathematics, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Larsson
- Department of Mathematics, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Åsa Carlsson Tedgren
- Radiation Physics, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Medical Radiation Physics and Nuclear Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Oncology Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xun Jia
- Innovative Technology Of Radiotherapy Computations and Hardware (iTORCH) Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
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10
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Dupere JM, Munro JJ, Medich DC. Shielded high dose rate ocular brachytherapy using Yb-169. Phys Med Biol 2021; 66. [PMID: 34010825 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ac02d6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose.We propose an approach for treating ocular melanoma using a new type of brachytherapy treatment device. This device couples Yb-169, a middle-energy high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy source, with a gold shielded ring applicator to better conform radiation exposures to the tumor. In this study, we computationally test the dosimetric output of our proposed shielded ring applicator design using MCNP6 and validate it against an I-125 COMS plaque.Methods.The proposed Yb-169 ring applicator consists of an assembly of discrete sources delivered into an applicator with a conical collimated opening; this opening is tangent to the outside of the source tube. Using MCNP6, we simulated the dosimetric output of a ring of Yb-169 pellets placed within the collimator at various conical diameters and angles to demonstrate the dosimetric distribution for various prescription dose depths and target sizes using static intensity modulation.Results.Using various angles of collimation, the prescription dose was delivered to target apex depths of 3.5-8.0 mm into the eye covering target sizes ranging from 10 to 15 mm in diameter. This proposed device reduced the maximum absorbed dose to critical structures relative to I-125 by 5.2% to the posterior lens, 9.3% to the iris, 13.8% to the optic nerve, and 1.3% to the sclera.Conclusions.This proposed eye plaque design provides a more conformal dose distribution to the ocular tumor while minimizes dose to healthy ocular structures. In addition, the use of a middle-energy HDR brachytherapy source allows the use of a remote afterloader to expose the tumor after the plaque is sutured in place. This system is inherently safer and eliminates dose to the surgeon's hands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine M Dupere
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, United States of America
| | - John J Munro
- Montrose Technology Inc., North Andover, MA, 01845, United States of America
| | - David C Medich
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, United States of America
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Morcos M, Viswanathan AN, Enger SA. On the impact of absorbed dose specification, tissue heterogeneities, and applicator heterogeneities on Monte Carlo-based dosimetry of Ir-192, Se-75, and Yb-169 in conventional and intensity-modulated brachytherapy for the treatment of cervical cancer. Med Phys 2021; 48:2604-2613. [PMID: 33619739 DOI: 10.1002/mp.14802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of dose reporting schemes and tissue/applicator heterogeneities for 192 Ir-, 75 Se-, and 169 Yb-based MRI-guided conventional and intensity-modulated brachytherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS Treatment plans using a variety of dose reporting and tissue/applicator segmentation schemes were generated for a cohort (n = 10) of cervical cancer patients treated with 192 Ir-based Venezia brachytherapy. Dose calculations were performed using RapidBrachyMCTPS, a Geant4-based research Monte Carlo treatment planning system. Ultimately, five dose calculation scenarios were evaluated: (a) dose to water in water (Dw,w ); (b) Dw,w taking the applicator material into consideration (Dw,wApp ); (c) dose to water in medium (Dw,m ); (d and e) dose to medium in medium with mass densities assigned either nominally per structure (Dm,m (Nom) ) or voxel-by-voxel (Dm,m ). RESULTS Ignoring the plastic Venezia applicator (Dw,wApp ) overestimates Dm,m by up to 1% (average) with high energy source (192 Ir and 75 Se) and up to 2% with 169 Yb. Scoring dose to water (Dw,wApp or Dw,m ) generally overestimates dose and this effect increases with decreasing photon energy. Reporting dose other than Dm,m (or Dm,m Nom ) for 169 Yb-based conventional and intensity-modulated brachytherapy leads to a simultaneous overestimation (up to 4%) of CTVHR D90 and underestimation (up to 2%) of bladder D2cc due to a significant dip in the mass-energy absorption ratios at the depths of nearby targets and OARs. Using a nominal mass-density assignment per structure, rather than a CT-derived voxel-by-voxel assignment for MRI-guided brachytherapy, amounts to a dose error up to 1% for all radionuclides considered. CONCLUSIONS The effects of the considered dose reporting schemes trend correspondingly between conventional and intensity-modulated brachytherapy. In the absence of CT-derived mass densities, MRI-only-based dosimetry can adequately approximate Dm,m by assigning nominal mass densities to structures. Tissue and applicator heterogeneities do not significantly impact dosimetry for 192 Ir and 75 Se, but do for 169 Yb; dose reporting must be explicitly defined since Dw,m and Dw,w may overstate the dosimetric benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Morcos
- Medical Physics Unit, Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Akila N Viswanathan
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shirin A Enger
- Medical Physics Unit, Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Morcos M, Antaki M, Viswanathan AN, Enger SA. A novel minimally invasive dynamic-shield, intensity-modulated brachytherapy system for the treatment of cervical cancer. Med Phys 2020; 48:71-79. [PMID: 32916763 DOI: 10.1002/mp.14459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To present a novel, MRI-compatible dynamicshield intensity modulated brachytherapy (IMBT) applicator and delivery system using 192 Ir, 75 Se, and 169 Yb radioisotopes for the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer. Needle-free IMBT is a promising technique for improving target coverage and organs at risk (OAR) sparing. METHODS AND MATERIALS The IMBT delivery system dynamically controls the rotation of a novel tungsten shield placed inside an MRI-compatible, 6-mm wide intrauterine tandem. Using 36 cervical cancer cases, conventional intracavitary brachytherapy (IC-BT) and intracavitary/interstitial brachytherapy (IC/IS-BT) (10Ci 192 Ir) plans were compared to IMBT (10Ci 192 Ir; 11.5Ci 75 Se; 44Ci 169 Yb). All plans were generated using the Geant4-based Monte Carlo dose calculation engine, RapidBrachyMC. Treatment plans were optimized then normalized to the same high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) D90 and the D2cc for bladder, rectum, and sigmoid in the research brachytherapy planning system, RapidBrachyMCTPS. Plans were renormalized until either of the three OAR reached dose limits to calculate the maximum achievable HR-CTV D90 and D98 . RESULTS Compared to IC-BT, IMBT with either of the three radionuclides significantly improves the HR-CTV D90 and D98 by up to 5.2% ± 0.3% (P < 0.001) and 6.7% ± 0.5% (P < 0.001), respectively, with the largest dosimetric enhancement when using 169 Yb followed by 75 Se and then 192 Ir. Similarly, D2cc for all OAR improved with IMBT by up to 7.7% ± 0.6% (P < 0.001). For IC/IS-BT cases, needle-free IMBT achieved clinically acceptable plans with 169 Yb-based IMBT further improving HR-CTV D98 by 1.5% ± 0.2% (P = 0.034) and decreasing sigmoid D2cc by 1.9% ± 0.4% (P = 0.048). Delivery times for IMBT are increased by a factor of 1.7, 3.3, and 2.3 for 192 Ir, 75 Se, and 169 Yb, respectively, relative to conventional 192 Ir BT. CONCLUSIONS Dynamic shield IMBT provides a promising alternative to conventional IC- and IC/IS-BT techniques with significant dosimetric enhancements and even greater improvements with intermediate energy radionuclides. The ability to deliver a highly conformal, OAR-sparing dose without IS needles provides a simplified method for improving the therapeutic ratio less invasively and in a less resource intensive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Morcos
- Medical Physics Unit, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Majd Antaki
- Medical Physics Unit, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Akila N Viswanathan
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shirin A Enger
- Medical Physics Unit, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Adams Q, Hopfensperger KM, Kim Y, Wu X, Flynn RT. 169 Yb-based rotating shield brachytherapy for prostate cancer. Med Phys 2020; 47:6430-6439. [PMID: 33051866 DOI: 10.1002/mp.14533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To present a system for the treatment of prostate cancer in a single-fraction regimen using 169 Yb-based rotating shield brachytherapy (RSBT) with a single-catheter robotic delivery system. The proposed system is innovative because it can deliver RSBT through multiple implanted needles independently, in serial, using flexible catheters, with no inter-needle shielding effects and without the need to rotate multiple shielded catheters inside the needles simultaneously, resulting in a simple, mechanically robust, delivery approach. RSBT was compared to conventional 192 Ir-based high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) in a treatment planning study with dose escalation and urethral sparing goals, representing single-fraction brachytherapy monotherapy and brachytherapy as a boost to external beam radiotherapy, respectively. A prototype mechanical delivery system was constructed and quantitatively evaluated as a proof of concept. METHODS Treatment plans for twenty-six patients with single fraction prescriptions of 20.5 and 15 Gy, were created for dose escalation and urethral sparing, respectively. The RSBT and HDR-BT delivery systems were modeled with one partially shielded 999 GBq (27 Ci) 169 Yb source and one 370 GBq (10 Ci) 192 Ir source, respectively. A prototype angular drive system for helical source delivery was constructed. Mechanical accuracy measurements of source translational position and angular orientation in a simulated treatment delivery setup were obtained using the prototype system. RESULTS For dose escalation, with equivalent urethra D10% , PTV D90% for RSBT vs HDR-BT increased from 22.6 ± 0.0 Gy (average ± standard deviation) to 29.3 ± 0.9 Gy, or 29.9 % ± 3.0%, with treatment times of 51.4 ± 6.1 min for RSBT and 15.8 ± 2.3 min for 10 Ci 192 Ir-based HDR-BT. For urethra sparing, with equivalent PTV D90 % , urethra D10% for RSBT vs HDR-BT decreased for RSBT vs HDR-BT from 15.6 ± 0.4 Gy to 12.0 ± 0.4 Gy, or 23.1% ± 3.5%, with treatment times of 30.0 ± 3.7 min for RSBT and 12.3 ± 1.8 min for HDR-BT. Differences between measured vs predicted rotating catheter positions (corresponding to source position) were within 0.18 mm ± 0.12 mm longitudinally and 0.07° ± 0.78°. CONCLUSION 169 Yb-based RSBT can increase PTV D90% or decrease urethral D10% relative to HDR-BT with treatment times of less than 1 h using a single-source robotic delivery system with treatment delivered in a single fraction. The prototype helical delivery system was able to demonstrate adequate mechanical accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Adams
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, USA
| | - Karolyn M Hopfensperger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, 1402 Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, USA
| | - Yusung Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, USA
| | - Xiaodong Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, USA.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, 4016 Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Ryan T Flynn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, USA
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Hopfensperger KM, Adams Q, Kim Y, Wu X, Xu W, Patwardhan K, Thammavong B, Caster J, Flynn RT. Needle-free cervical cancer treatment using helical multishield intracavitary rotating shield brachytherapy with the 169 Yb Isotope. Med Phys 2020; 47:2061-2071. [PMID: 32073669 PMCID: PMC7377278 DOI: 10.1002/mp.14101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the capability of an intracavitary 169 Yb-based helical multishield rotating shield brachytherapy (RSBT) delivery system to treat cervical cancer. The proposed RSBT delivery system contains a pair of 1.25 mm thick platinum partial shields with 45° and 180° emission angles, which travel in a helical pattern within the applicator. METHODS A helically threaded tandem applicator with a 45° tandem curvature containing a helically threaded catheter was designed. A 0.6 mm diameter 169 Yb source with a length of 10.5 mm was simulated. A 37-patient treatment planning study, based on Monte Carlo dose calculations using MCNP5, was conducted with high-risk clinical target volumes (HR-CTVs) of 41.2-192.8 cm3 (average ± standard deviation of 79.9 ± 35.8 cm3 ). All patients were assumed to receive 25 fractions of 1.8 Gy of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) before receiving 5 fractions of high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT). For each patient, 192 Ir-based intracavitary (IC) HDR-BT, 192 Ir-based intracavitary/interstitial (IC/IS) HDR-BT using a hybrid applicator with eight IS needles, and 169 Yb-based RSBT plans were generated. RESULTS For the IC, IC/IS, and RSBT treatment plans, 38%, 84%, and 86% of the plans, respectively, met the planning goal of an HR-CTV D90 (minimum dose to hottest 90%) of 85 GyEQD2 (α/β = 10 Gy). Median (25th percentile, 75th percentile) treatment times for IC, IC/IS, and RSBT were 11.71 (6.62, 15.40) min, 68.00 (45.02, 80.02) min, and 25.30 (13.87, 35.39) min, respectively. 192 Ir activities ranging from 159.1-370 GBq (4.3-10 Ci) and 169 Yb activities ranging from 429.2-999 GBq (11.6-27 Ci) were used, which correspond to the same clinical ranges of dose rates at 1 cm off-source-axis in water. Extra needle insertion and planning time beyond that needed for intracavitary-only approaches was accounted for in the IC/IS treatment time calculations. CONCLUSION 169 Yb-based RSBT for cervical cancer met the HR-CTV D90 goal of 85 Gy in a greater percentage of the patients considered than IC/IS (86% vs 84%, respectively) and can reduce overall treatment time relative to IC/IS. 169 Yb-based RSBT could be used to replace IC/IS in instances where IC/IS treatment is not available, especially in instances when HR-CTV volumes are ≥30 cm3 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolyn M Hopfensperger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, 1402 Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Quentin Adams
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Yusung Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Xiaodong Wu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, 4016 Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Weiyu Xu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, 4016 Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Kaustubh Patwardhan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | | | - Joseph Caster
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Ryan T Flynn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
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Famulari G, Alfieri J, Duclos M, Vuong T, Enger SA. Can intermediate-energy sources lead to elevated bone doses for prostate and head & neck high-dose-rate brachytherapy? Brachytherapy 2020; 19:255-263. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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16
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Cunha JAM, Flynn R, Bélanger C, Callaghan C, Kim Y, Jia X, Chen Z, Beaulieu L. Brachytherapy Future Directions. Semin Radiat Oncol 2020; 30:94-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2019.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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17
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Famulari G, Duclos M, Enger SA. A novel
169
Yb‐based dynamic‐shield intensity modulated brachytherapy delivery system for prostate cancer. Med Phys 2019; 47:859-868. [DOI: 10.1002/mp.13959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Famulari
- Medical Physics Unit McGill University Montréal Québec H4A 3J1Canada
| | - Marie Duclos
- Department of Oncology McGill University Montréal Québec H4A 3J1Canada
| | - Shirin A. Enger
- Medical Physics Unit McGill University Montréal Québec H4A 3J1Canada
- Department of Oncology McGill University Montréal Québec H4A 3J1Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre Montréal Québec H3H 2R9Canada
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18
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Callaghan CM, Adams Q, Flynn RT, Wu X, Xu W, Kim Y. Systematic Review of Intensity-Modulated Brachytherapy (IMBT): Static and Dynamic Techniques. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2019; 105:206-221. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Dynamic Modulated Brachytherapy (DMBT) Balloon Applicator for Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2019; 104:953-961. [PMID: 30910767 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2019.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To propose a novel high-dose-rate brachytherapy applicator for balloon-based dynamic modulated brachytherapy (DMBT) for accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) and to demonstrate its dosimetric advantage compared to the widely used Contura applicator. METHODS AND MATERIALS The DMBT balloon device consists of a fixed central channel enabling real-time, in vivo dosimetry and an outer motion-dynamic, adjustable-radius channel capable of moving to any angular position within the balloon. This design allows placement of dwell positions anywhere within the balloon volume, guaranteeing optimal placement and generation of the applicator and treatment plan, respectively. Thirteen clinical treatment plans for patients with early-stage breast cancer receiving APBI after lumpectomy using Contura were retrospectively obtained under institutional review board approval. New treatment plans were created by replacing the Contura with the DMBT device. DMBT plans were limited to 4 angular positions and an outer channel radius of 1.5 cm. The new plans were optimized to limit dose to ribs and skin while maintaining target coverage similar to that of the clinical plan. RESULTS Similar target coverage was obtained for the DMBT plans compared with clinical Contura plans. Across all patients the mean (standard deviation) reductions in D0.1 cc to the ribs and skin were 6.70% (6.28%) and 5.13% (6.54%), respectively. A threshold separation distance between the balloon surface and the organ at risk (OAR), below which dosimetric changes of greater than 5% were obtained, was observed to be 12 mm for ribs and skin. When both OARs were far from the balloon, DMBT plans were of similar quality to Contura plans, as expected. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the superior ability of the APBI DMBT applicator to spare OARs while achieving target coverage comparable to current treatment plans, especially when in close proximity. The DMBT balloon may enable new modes of dynamic high-dose-rate treatment delivery and allow for ultrahypofractionated dose regimens to be safely used.
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Flynn RT, Adams QE, Hopfensperger KM, Wu X, Xu W, Kim Y. Efficient 169 Yb high-dose-rate brachytherapy source production using reactivation. Med Phys 2019; 46:2935-2943. [PMID: 31054163 DOI: 10.1002/mp.13563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To present and quantify the effectiveness of a method for the efficient production of 169 Yb high-dose-rate brachytherapy sources with 27 Ci activity upon clinical delivery, which have about the same dose rate in water at 1 cm from the source center as 10 Ci 192 Ir sources. MATERIALS A theoretical framework for 169 Yb source activation and reactivation using thermal neutrons in a research reactor and 168 Yb-Yb2 O3 precursor is derived and benchmarked against published data. The model is dependent primarily on precursor 168 Yb enrichment percentage, active source volume of the active element, and average thermal neutron flux within the active source. RESULTS Efficiency gains in 169 Yb source production are achievable through reactivation, and the gains increase with active source volume. For an average thermal neutron flux within the active source of 1 × 1014 n cm-2 s-1 , increasing the active source volume from 1 to 3 mm3 decreased reactor-days needed to generate one clinic-year of 169 Yb from 256 days yr-1 to 59 days yr-1 , and 82%-enriched precursor dropped from 80 mg yr-1 to 21 mg yr-1 . A resource reduction of 74%-77% is predicted for an active source volume increase from 1 to 3 mm3 . CONCLUSIONS Dramatic cost savings are achievable in 169 Yb source production costs through reactivation if active sources larger than 1 mm3 are used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan T Flynn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Quentin E Adams
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Karolyn M Hopfensperger
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, 5601 Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Xiaodong Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, 4016 Seamans Center, for the Engineering Arts and Sciences, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Weiyu Xu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, 4016 Seamans Center, for the Engineering Arts and Sciences, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Yusung Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
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Suleiman SA, Qi Y, Chen Z, Xu XG. Monte carlo study of organ doses and related risk for cancer in Tanzania from scattered photons in cervical radiation treatment involving Co-60 source. Phys Med 2019; 62:13-19. [PMID: 31153393 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2019.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The present work aimed to evaluate organ doses and related risk for cancer from external beam radiation treatment (EBRT) and high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) involving Co-60 source for patients with cervical carcinoma in Tanzania based on Monte Carlo methods and to evaluate the secondary cancer risks in their lifetime. METHODS EBRT and HDR-BR were modelled by using the MCNPX Monte Carlo (MC) code. The MC simulations were performed by using validated models and isocentric irradiation of an adult female computational phantom. The organ doses and cancer risks estimates were obtained. RESULTS The highest absorbed doses of 6.98 × 10-2 and 5.74 × 10-2 Sv/Gy were recorded in the bladder for BT and EBRT. The higher risk was found for colon at 1.06 × 10-3 in the HDR-BT and 9.75 × 10-5 in the EBRT per 100,000 population at exposure age of 35 years than in the other organs. The risk magnitude decreased with increasing age at exposure. In general, the secondary cancer risks in all sites considered from EBRT and HDR-BR for cervical cancer patient were lower than the baseline risks. CONCLUSIONS The chances of developing secondary cancer take years following radiation therapy are extremely low, but the results of present study can support to establish a future database on secondary cancer risks involving radiation therapy in patients with cervical cancer by using HDR-BR and EBRT with Co-60 source in Tanzania and other developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suleiman Ameir Suleiman
- Department of Engineering and Applied Physics, School of Physical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province 230027, PR China; Ionizing Radiation Department, Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission, 23114 Block J Njiro, PO BOX 743, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania.
| | - Yaping Qi
- Department of Engineering and Applied Physics, School of Physical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province 230027, PR China
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Engineering and Applied Physics, School of Physical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province 230027, PR China
| | - X George Xu
- Department of Engineering and Applied Physics, School of Physical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province 230027, PR China; Nuclear Engineering Program, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
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Adams Q, Hopfensperger KM, Kim Y, Wu X, Xu W, Shukla H, McGee J, Caster JM, Flynn RT. Effectiveness of Rotating Shield Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer Dose Escalation and Urethral Sparing. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2018; 102:1543-1550. [PMID: 30092333 PMCID: PMC6363898 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2018.07.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare single-fraction 153Gd-based rotating shield brachytherapy (RSBT) for prostate cancer with conventional 192Ir-based high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) in a planning study that radiobiologically accounts for dose rate and relative biological effectiveness. RSBT was used for planning target volume (PTV) dose escalation without increasing urethral dose for monotherapy, or for urethral sparing without decreasing PTV dose as a boost to external beam radiation therapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS Twenty-six patients were studied. PTV doses were expressed as equivalent dose delivered in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2), accounting for relative biological effectiveness (1.00 for 192Ir and 1.15 for 153Gd), dose protraction (114-minute repair half-time), and tumor dose response (α/β of 3.41 Gy). HDR-BT dose was prescribed such that 90% of the PTV received 110% of the prescription dose of 19 Gy for dose escalation and 15 Gy for urethral sparing, corresponding to EQD290% values (minimum EQD2 to the hottest 90% of the PTV) of 93.9 GyEQD2 and 60.7 GyEQD2, respectively. Twenty 90.95 GBq 153Gd RSBT sources and one 370 GBq 192Ir HDR-BT source were modeled. RESULTS For dose escalation with fresh sources, RSBT increased PTV EQD290% by 42.5% ± 8.4% (average ± standard deviation) without increasing urethral D10%, with treatment times of 216.8 ± 28.9 minutes versus 15.1 ± 2.1 minutes. After 1 half-life (240.4 days for 153Gd and 73.8 days for 192Ir), EQD290% increased 20.5% ± 9.1%. For urethral sparing with fresh sources, RSBT decreased urethral D10% by 26.0% ± 3.4% without decreasing PTV EQD290%, with treatment times of 133.6 ± 16.5 minutes versus 12.0 ± 1.7 minutes. After 1 half-life, urethral D10% decreased 20.2% ± 4.8%. CONCLUSIONS RSBT can increase PTV EQD90% or decrease urethral D10% relative to HDR-BT at the cost of increased treatment time. Source aging reduces RSBT benefit, but RSBT remains theoretically superior to HDR-BT by >20% after 1 half-life has elapsed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Adams
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
| | | | - Yusung Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Xiaodong Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Weiyu Xu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | | | - James McGee
- OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois
| | - Joseph M Caster
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Ryan T Flynn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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High-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy in recurrent head and neck cancer: an effective salvage option. J Contemp Brachytherapy 2018; 10:425-430. [PMID: 30479619 PMCID: PMC6251448 DOI: 10.5114/jcb.2018.78995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose High-dose-rate (HDR) interstitial brachytherapy has an established role in head and neck malignancies and offers good survival rates; however, there is scant data on improved local control (LC) and treatment-related complications in recurrent cases. We present our results in patients with recurrent head and neck cancers treated with HDR interstitial brachytherapy. Material and methods Twenty-five patients with recurrent head and neck cancers were treated with HDR interstitial brachytherapy using Iridium 192 between 2009 and 2016. Of these, 75% received radical brachytherapy, and 25% received external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) followed by brachytherapy boost. Treatment sites included oral cavity (15/25) and oropharynx (10/25). Median dose of 4.5 Gy was administered twice per day, with median total brachytherapy dose of 40.5 Gy in radical and 27 Gy for EBRT cases. Results With median follow-up of 25 months, 4 local recurrences were observed within first year of follow-up. Two-year local control and overall survival outcomes for the entire group were 75% and 68%, respectively. Local control rate with radical BRT vs. BRT as a boost following EBRT was found to be significant (2-year LCR 62% vs. 85%; p < 0.02). Dosimetric assessment revealed D90 - 4.08 Gy, V100 - 94.1%, V150 - 24.7%, and V200 - 10.1%. Xerostomia, altered taste, and dysphagia were the major complications commonly grade 1 and 2. Grade 3 toxicity was only 2%. Pre-treatment volume > 85 cc had a negative impact on overall survival (26 months vs. 12 months; p = 0.02), and interval time between primary and recurrence more than 15 months had an impact on the local control rate (p < 0.01). Conclusions Results of HDR interstitial brachytherapy have shown acceptable local control and overall survival rates along with tolerable toxicities and morbidity in recurrent head and neck cancers.
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Abdollahi S, Dayyani M, Hoseinian-Azghadi E, Miri-Hakimabad H, Rafat-Motavalli L. A revised dosimetric characterization of 60Co BEBIG source: From single-source data to clinical dose distribution. Brachytherapy 2018; 17:1011-1022. [PMID: 30227978 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although the dosimetric characterization of 60Co BEBIG source can be found in several literature studies, the data sets show major discrepancies and the lack of uncertainty analyses. This study tried to determine an accurate dosimetric data set for this source using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations along with detailed uncertainty analysis. To explore how different dosimetric data sets can make changes in practical situations, clinical dose distributions based on our results were compared with the dose distributions derived from Granero et al. and consensus data sets. METHODS AND MATERIALS The MC simulations were performed with Monte Carlo N-Particle eXtended code (MCNPX) version 2.6.0 and the TG-43 parameters were estimated adhering to the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) and European SocieTy for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) 229 report. The dose rate distributions for single-source and two typical clinical cases, including one intracavitary and one interstitial, were calculated using an in-house code on the basis of the TG-43 formalism. RESULTS The total uncertainties for water dose rate on source transverse axis at 1 cm and 5 cm, air kerma strength, and dose rate constant were evaluated to be 0.10%, 0.09%, 0.04%, and 0.11%, respectively. Meaningful differences were found for the interstitial case in which 22% of clinical target volume (CTV) showed differences from ±1% to ±10% or even larger. CONCLUSIONS The MC uncertainty was derived about 16 times smaller than the typical MC component stated in TG-138, partly because of large number of histories and partly because the spectra of 60Co and also its photons' attenuation coefficients are adequately accurate. The results showed that in the clinical situations, the applicator geometry and the superposition of single-source dose distributions can reduce the differences observed between several data sets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Abdollahi
- Medical Physics Department, Reza Radiotherapy and Oncology Center, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Dayyani
- Radiation Oncology Department, Reza Radiotherapy and Oncology Center, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Hashem Miri-Hakimabad
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Laleh Rafat-Motavalli
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
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Safigholi H, van Veelen B, Niatsetski Y, Song WY. Modeling of the direction modulated brachytherapy tandem applicator using the Oncentra Brachy advanced collapsed cone engine. Brachytherapy 2018; 17:1030-1036. [PMID: 30181054 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The direction modulated brachytherapy (DMBT) magnetic resonance-compatible tandem applicator, made from a tungsten alloy rod, has six symmetric peripheral grooves, designed specifically to enhance intensity modulation capacity through achieving directional radiation dose profiles. In this work, the directional dose distributions of the DMBT tandem were modeled and calculated with the Oncentra Brachy advanced collapsed cone engine (ACE), which was validated against Monte Carlo (MC) calculations. METHODS AND MATERIAL The prototype 3D tandem applicator model was created for use in the Oncentra Brachy treatment planning system. The 192Ir source was placed inside a DMBT tandem in one and six channels as a single dwell position (DP) per channel with the same index length, as well as 1 DP in a standard tandem. Dose distributions were calculated in a water medium by both ACE and MC and compared. RESULTS For 1DP/6DP inside the DMBT and 1DP inside the standard tandem, respectively, the mean dose differences were 3.5/3.3% and <2.8% with the range of 0.1%-6.5%/0.2%-5% and 0.1%-5%, between ACE and MC, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The DMBT tandem is successfully modeled in a commercial treatment planning system. The ACE algorithm is capable of accurately calculating highly directional dose distributions generated by a dense tungsten alloy contained within the DMBT tandem, with agreements achieved within <3.5%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habib Safigholi
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | | | | | - William Y Song
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
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Poder J, Cutajar D, Guatelli S, Petasecca M, Howie A, Bucci J, Rosenfeld A. HDR brachytherapy in vivo source position verification using a 2D diode array: A Monte Carlo study. J Appl Clin Med Phys 2018; 19:163-172. [PMID: 29855128 PMCID: PMC6036394 DOI: 10.1002/acm2.12360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to assess the accuracy of source position verification during high-dose rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy using a novel, in-house developed two-dimensional (2D) diode array (the Magic Plate), embedded exactly below the patient within a carbon fiber couch. The effect of tissue inhomogeneities on source localization accuracy is examined. METHOD Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of 12 source positions from a HDR prostate brachytherapy treatment were performed using the Geant4 toolkit. An Ir-192 Flexisource (Isodose Control, Veenendaal, the Netherlands) was simulated inside a voxelized patient geometry, and the dose deposited in each detector of the Magic Plate evaluated. The dose deposited in each detector was then used to localize the source position using a proprietary reconstruction algorithm. RESULTS The accuracy of source position verification using the Magic Plate embedded in the patient couch was found to be affected by the tissue inhomogeneities within the patient, with an average difference of 2.1 ± 0.8 mm (k = 1) between the Magic Plate predicted and known source positions. Recalculation of the simulations with all voxels assigned a density of water improved this verification accuracy to within 1 mm. CONCLUSION Source position verification using the Magic Plate during a HDR prostate brachytherapy treatment was examined using MC simulations. In a homogenous geometry (water), the Magic Plate was able to localize the source to within 1 mm, however, the verification accuracy was negatively affected by inhomogeneities; this can be corrected for by using density information obtained from CT, making the proposed tool attractive for use as a real-time in vivo quality assurance (QA) device in HDR brachytherapy for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Poder
- Centre of Medical Radiation PhysicsUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- St George Hospital Cancer Care CentreKogarahNSWAustralia
| | - Dean Cutajar
- Centre of Medical Radiation PhysicsUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- St George Hospital Cancer Care CentreKogarahNSWAustralia
| | - Susanna Guatelli
- Centre of Medical Radiation PhysicsUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
| | - Marco Petasecca
- Centre of Medical Radiation PhysicsUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
| | - Andrew Howie
- St George Hospital Cancer Care CentreKogarahNSWAustralia
| | - Joseph Bucci
- St George Hospital Cancer Care CentreKogarahNSWAustralia
| | - Anatoly Rosenfeld
- Centre of Medical Radiation PhysicsUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
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Safigholi H, Han DY, Soliman A, Song WY. Direction modulated brachytherapy (DMBT) tandem applicator for cervical cancer treatment: Choosing the optimal shielding material. Med Phys 2018; 45:3524-3533. [PMID: 29858499 DOI: 10.1002/mp.13030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the dose modulation capability of a novel MRI-compatible direction modulated brachytherapy (DMBT) tandem applicator design with various high-density shielding materials for brachytherapy treatment of cervical cancer. The shield materials that have been evaluated are tantalum (Ta), pure tungsten (W), gold (Au), rhenium (Re), osmium (Os), platinum (Pt), iridium (Ir), and W' tungsten alloy (95%W, 3.5%Ni, 1.5%Cu). MATERIALS AND METHODS The recently proposed six-channel DMBT tandem is composed of nonmagnetic tungsten alloy (W') rod with diameter of 5.4 mm and coated with 0.3-mm thick bio-safe plastic sheath. The tandem shielding material can, however, be individually replaced with various other shields to create directional radiation. Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) code was used to calculate the three-dimensional (3D) dose distributions in a water phantom for an HDR 192 Ir (mHDR-v2) source inside each DMBT tandem with various shields and a plastic conventional tandem (Con.T). Then, the 3D dose distributions were imported into an in-house-coded inverse planning optimization algorithm to obtain optimal plans for 12 clinical cases chosen at random from the international RetroEMBRACE dataset involving conventional tandem and ring (Con.T&R) applicators. All plans generated by the DMBT tandem and ring (DMBT&R) with the tungsten alloy [DMBT(W')&R] were compared with the corresponding Con.T&R plans, to generate benchmark results. These benchmark results were then considered as reference plans for other shields performances. Plans were normalized to receive the same high-risk clinical target volume (CTVHR ) D90 . The D100 , D10 , and V100 for CTVHR , and D2cm3 for organs at risk (OARs) of bladder, sigmoid, and rectum were calculated and compared. RESULTS Transmission factor (TF), that is, the dose in the backside of the DMBT shield over that in the front opening, at a 5 cm distance, were 36.6%, 34.8%, 31.9%, 28.9%, 27.9%, 26.2%, 26.2%, and 25.5%, for Ta, W', W, Re, Au, Os, Pt, and Ir shields, respectively. On average, the CTVHR values for D100 , V100 , D10 were not significantly different across all DMBT&R shields and the Con.T&R plans (P > 0.219). For the D2cm3 , the benchmark results showed significant reductions (P < 0.03), that is, on average, -8.3% for bladder, -10.7% for rectum, and -10.1% for sigmoid, compared to the Con.T&R plans. However, the various shields showed little improvement from the tungsten alloy (W'), where on average, rectum (bladder) [sigmoid] D2cm3 were reduced by -1.32% (-0.85%) [-1.01%], -1.25% (-0.78%) [-0.91%], -1.22% (-0.75%) [-0.86%], -0.94% (-0.60%) [-0.70%], -0.84% (-0.51%) [-0.59%], and -0.38% (-0.24%) [-0.23%] for Ir, Pt, Os, Au, Re, and W shields, relative to the benchmark W' DMBT plans, respectively. These corresponding values for Ta increased by +0.28% (+0.08%) [+0.25%], respectively. CONCLUSION The Ir, Pt, Os, Au, Re, and W shielding materials, respectively, in descending order, lead to better OAR sparing than the DMBT(W')&R plans. However, the amount of improvement is limited and clinically insignificant. This finding suggests that the initial W' shield remains a suitable choice given the proven MR compatibility, for use in MR-guided adaptive brachytherapy of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habib Safigholi
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Dae Yup Han
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Abraam Soliman
- R&D Clinical Excellence (MRI), Philips Healthcare, Best, The Netherlands
| | - William Y Song
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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A comparative assessment of inhomogeneity and finite patient dimension effects in 60Co and 192Ir high-dose-rate brachytherapy. J Contemp Brachytherapy 2018; 10:73-84. [PMID: 29619059 PMCID: PMC5881600 DOI: 10.5114/jcb.2018.74327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To perform a comparative study of heterogeneities and finite patient dimension effects in 60Co and 192Ir high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy. Material and methods Clinically equivalent plans were prepared for 19 cases (8 breast, 5 esophagus, 6 gynecologic) using the Ir2.A85-2 and the Co0.A86 HDR sources, with a TG-43 based treatment planning system (TPS). Phase space files were obtained for the two source designs using MCNP6, and validated through comparison to a single source dosimetry results in the literature. Dose to water, taking into account the patient specific anatomy and materials (Dw,m), was calculated for all plans using MCNP6, with input files prepared using the BrachyGuide software tool to analyze information from DICOM RT plan exports. Results A general TG-43 dose overestimation was observed, except for the lungs, with a greater magnitude for 192Ir. The distribution of percentage differences between TG-43 and Monte Carlo (MC) in dose volume histogram (DVH) indices for the planning target volume (PTV) presented small median values (about 2%) for both 60Co and 192Ir, with a greater dispersion for 192Ir. Regarding the organs at risk (OARs), median percentage differences for breast V50% were 3% (5%) for 60Co (192Ir). Differences in median skin D2cc were found comparable, with a larger dispersion for 192Ir, and the same applied to the lung D10cc and the aorta D2cc. TG-43 overestimates D2cc for the rectum and the sigmoid, with median differences from MC within 2% and a greater dispersion for 192Ir. For the bladder, the median of the difference is greater for 60Co (~2%) than for 192Ir (~0.75%), demonstrating however a greater dispersion again for 192Ir. Conclusions The magnitude of differences observed between TG-43 based and MC dosimetry and their smaller dispersion relative to 192Ir, suggest that 60Co HDR sources are more amenable to the TG-43 assumptions in clinical treatment planning dosimetry.
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