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Jiao D, Xu K, Mukhiya G, Liu Y, Wu K, Li Z, Ren J, Han X. Brachytherapy Drainage Catheter and Chemotherapy for Unresectable Pancreatic Carcinoma Combined with Obstructive Jaundice. Front Oncol 2022; 12:941336. [PMID: 35912255 PMCID: PMC9329565 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.941336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundMost patients with advanced pancreatic cancer do not have the chance to undergo surgery or chemotherapy because of their poor conditions. Biliary drainage is a palliative treatment to restore liver function and alleviate jaundice, but most patients still face the risk of biliary obstruction in the short term after operation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of brachytherapy drainage catheter (BDC)-combined chemotherapy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer complicated with obstructive jaundice.Patients and MethodsFrom November 2017 and May 2019, 48 patients underwent the BDC or conventional drainage catheter (CDC) intervention with chemotherapy. The outcomes/endpoints analyzed were technical and clinical success, early complications, stent patency period, and survival.ResultsThe technical and clinical success rates in both groups were 100%, and the early complication rates were not significantly different (P = 0.43). The median stent patency in the BDC group was significantly longer than that in the CDC group (7.8 ± 1.5 vs. 5.7 ± 0.7 months, P = 0.001), and the median overall survival period in the BDC group was prone to significant difference than that in the CDC group (9.4 ± 4.0 vs. 8.2 ± 0.3 months, P = 0.089).ConclusionThe findings of this study show that BDC with chemotherapy was associated with better stent patency and survival. However, since the sample size was very small, large randomized controlled multicenter studies are needed to further evaluate the long-term survival effects of BDC in patients with advanced pancreatic carcinoma combined with obstructive jaundice.
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Khosla D, Zaheer S, Gupta R, Madan R, Goyal S, Kumar N, Kapoor R. Role of intraluminal brachytherapy in palliation of biliary obstruction in cholangiocarcinoma: A brief review. World J Gastrointest Endosc 2022; 14:106-112. [PMID: 35432743 PMCID: PMC8984530 DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v14.i3.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Surgery is the only curative treatment for cholangiocarcinoma. However, most patients present with advanced disease, and hence are unresectable. Thus, the intent of treatment shifts from curative to palliative in the majority of cases. Biliary drainage with intraluminal brachytherapy is an effective means of relieving the malignant biliary obstruction. In this review, we discuss the role of brachytherapy in the palliation of obstructive symptoms in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Khosla
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, U.T., India
| | - Samreen Zaheer
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, U.T., India
| | - Rahul Gupta
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shalby Multispeciality Hospital, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Renu Madan
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, U.T., India
| | - Shikha Goyal
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, U.T., India
| | - Narendra Kumar
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, U.T., India
| | - Rakesh Kapoor
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, U.T., India
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Kumar D, Kiran NM, Khosla D. Reviewing the potential role of radiation therapy in gallbladder cancer: an update. Radiat Oncol J 2022; 40:1-8. [PMID: 35368195 PMCID: PMC8984131 DOI: 10.3857/roj.2021.00717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gallbladder cancer is a highly malignant disease with a poor prognosis. It is the most common cancer of the biliary tract pathway. Although surgery remains the treatment of choice for early-stage disease, majority of the patients presents in locally advanced, unresectable and metastatic stage of the disease. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy thus form an integral part of management for these locally advanced staged patients. The role of radiation though has been advocated in gallbladder cancer, majorly in the adjuvant setting, its role in neoadjuvant and palliative settings remains in an evolving phase. The article thus aims to review and update the existing literature regarding the role of radiation therapy in gallbladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyesh Kumar
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
- Correspondence: Divyesh Kumar Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India. Tel: +91-172-2756284 E-mail:
| | - Nali Muni Kiran
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Divya Khosla
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Taggar AS, Mann P, Folkert MR, Aliakbari S, Myrehaug SD, Dawson LA. A systematic review of intraluminal high dose rate brachytherapy in the management of malignant biliary tract obstruction and cholangiocarcinoma. Radiother Oncol 2021; 165:60-74. [PMID: 34695521 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2021.10.011] [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: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To conduct a systematic review evaluating the impact of high dose rate (HDR) intraluminal brachytherapy (ILBT) in the management of malignant biliary obstruction and cholangiocarcinoma with specific focus on stent patency, clinical outcomes and toxicities. METHODS AND MATERIALS A review of published articles was conducted using Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases using the search terms "bile duct carcinoma" or "cholangiocarcinoma" or "bile duct neoplasms" in combination with "brachytherapy" or "high dose rate brachytherapy" or "HDR brachytherapy". Studies published in English and reporting outcomes of ≥10 patients were included in the review. Only the most recent experience was included if same patients were included in sequential publications. RESULTS Seventeen studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Significant heterogeneity was observed in treatment regimens, which included use of surgery, external beam radiation (EBRT), and/or intra-arterial and intravenous chemotherapy in conjunction with ILBT. Nevertheless, among the included studies, use of ILBT appeared to result in longer duration of stent patency: 10 months with ILBT compared to 4-6 months without ILBT. A trend was observed towards prolonged local control and improved complete and partial response rates in patients treated with ILBT with or without EBRT. Weighted mean overall survival of patients treated with ILBT alone was 11.8 months compared to 10.5 months for those that received EBRT +/- chemotherapy in addition to ILBT. The included studies reported low complication rates and toxicity related to ILBT. CONCLUSION Brachytherapy can be an effective and safe tool in the management of malignant biliary tract obstruction in combination with stenting. Both retrospective and prospective studies have suggested improved outcomes when HDR ILBT is combined with percutaneous stenting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandeep S Taggar
- Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada; University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - Paveen Mann
- Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | - Sten D Myrehaug
- Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada; University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Laura A Dawson
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada; University of Toronto, Canada
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Li Z, Jiao D, Han X, Liu Z. A Comparative Study of Self-Expandable Metallic Stent Combined with Double 125I Seeds Strands or Single 125I Seeds Strand in the Treatment of Advanced Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma with Malignant Obstructive Jaundice. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:4077-4086. [PMID: 34262293 PMCID: PMC8274321 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s312162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and effectiveness of a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMs) with a novel brachytherapy biliary drainage catheter (BBDC, double 125I seeds strands) or a single 125I seeds strand in the treatment of advanced perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) with malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ). Methods From September 2016 to December 2018, we retrospectively enrolled patients with biliary stent implantation after receiving either BBDC loaded with 125I seeds (double-strands irradiation group) or an 125I seed strand treatment (single-strand irradiation group, control group). The outcomes were analyzed regarding the relief of obstructive jaundice, and interventional-related complications. Moreover, the Kaplan–Meier method was used to analyze stent patency and survival. Results The success rate of interventional therapy in both groups was 100%, and all patients with MOJ were alleviated. According to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE 4.02), the grade 3 or 4 complications in the BBDC group and in the control group were 6/34 (17.65%) and 7/39 (17.95%), respectively (P > 0.05). The median and mean overall stent patency of the BBDC group and the control group were 207 days versus 180 days, 204.212 days versus 186.278 days (P = 0.043). The median and mean overall survivals in the BBDC group were higher than those in the control group (245 days versus 212 days, 244.883 days versus 221.844 days, P = 0.030). Conclusion This interim analysis showed that BBDC (double-stranded irradiation) can prolong the stent patency time compared with 125I seed strand treatment (single-stranded irradiation) and had the advantage of reducing jaundice, which seemed to extend the survival period of advanced pCCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaonan Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, People's Republic of China
| | - Dechao Jiao
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, People's Republic of China
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The efficacy of the combination of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and 125I stranded seeds for malignant bile duct obstruction treatment. J Contemp Brachytherapy 2020; 12:225-232. [PMID: 32695193 PMCID: PMC7366027 DOI: 10.5114/jcb.2020.96862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) combined with iodine-125 (125I) stranded seeds for the treatment of malignant bile duct obstruction (MBO). Material and methods A retrospective study was performed on 58 consecutive MBO patients. Twenty patients underwent PTBD combined with 125I stranded seeds (group A). Thirty-eight patients underwent percutaneous trans-hepatic biliary drainage (group B). Total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin levels were compared preoperatively, 1-week, 1-month, and 3-months post-operatively. Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), cancer antigen 125 (CA125), and carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) levels were compared at preoperative and 3-month post-operative stages. The time free from biliary obstruction and survival times were compared. Results The differences in total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin levels between the two groups were not significant preoperatively (p = 0.857, p = 0.719, and p = 0.870), and 1-week post-operatively (p = 0.259, p = 0.395, and p = 0.145). However, 1-month (p = 0.012, p = 0.005, and p = 0.049) and 3-months post-operatively (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, and p = 0.001), group A was lower than group B. Differences in CA19-9, CA125, and CEA levels between the two groups were not significant preoperatively (p = 0.229, p = 0.116, and p = 0.273) and 3-months post-operatively (p = 0.159, p = 0.342, and p = 0.306). The median biliary obstruction free time was 7.0 months for group A and 5.0 months for group B (p < 0.001). The median survival time was 9.0 months for group A and 6.0 months for group B (p = 0.001). Conclusions PTBD combined with 125I stranded seeds seem to reduce bilirubin levels and prevents biliary obstruction, promoting survival.
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Zhu HD, Guo JH, Huang M, Ji JS, Xu H, Lu J, Li HL, Wang WH, Li YL, Ni CF, Shi HB, Xiao EH, Lv WF, Sun JH, Xu K, Han GH, Du LA, Ren WX, Li MQ, Mao AW, Xiang H, Zhang KX, Min J, Zhu GY, Su C, Chen L, Teng GJ. Irradiation stents vs. conventional metal stents for unresectable malignant biliary obstruction: A multicenter trial. J Hepatol 2018; 68:970-977. [PMID: 29331343 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Placement of an irradiation stent has been demonstrated to offer longer patency and survival than an uncovered self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) in patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). We aim to further assess the efficacy of an irradiation stent compared to an uncovered SEMS in those patients. METHODS We performed a randomized, open-label trial of participants with unresectable MBO at 20 centers in China. A total of 328 participants were allocated in parallel to the irradiation stent group (ISG) or the uncovered SEMS group (USG). Endpoints included stent patency (primary), technical success, relief of jaundice, overall survival, and complications. RESULTS The first quartile stent patency time (when 25% of the patients experienced stent restenosis) was 212 days for the ISG and 104 days for the USG. Irradiation stents were significantly associated with a decrease in the rate of stent restenosis (9% vs. 15% at 90 days; 16% vs. 27% at 180 days; 21% vs. 33% at 360 days; p = 0.010). Patients in the ISG obtained longer survival time (median 202 days vs. 140 days; p = 0.020). No significant results were observed in technical success rate (93% vs. 95%; p = 0.499), relief of jaundice (85% vs. 80%; p = 0.308), and the incidence of grade 3 and 4 complications (8.5% vs. 7.9%; p = 0.841). CONCLUSIONS Insertion of irradiation stents instead of uncovered SEMS could improve patency and overall survival in patients with unresectable MBO. LAY SUMMARY For patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction (MBO), placement of a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) is a recommended palliative modality to relieve pruritus, cholangitis, pain, and jaundice. However, restenosis is a main pitfall after stent placement. Data from this first multicenter randomized controlled trial showed that insertion of an irradiation stent provided longer patency and better survival than a conventional metal stent. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02001779.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Dong Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jin-He Guo
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ming Huang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology, Yunnan Tumor Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650106, China
| | - Jian-Song Ji
- Department of Radiology, Lishui Central Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Jian Lu
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hai-Liang Li
- Department of Intervention Radiology, Henan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Wen-Hui Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yu-Liang Li
- Department of Interventional Medicine, the Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250033, China
| | - Cai-Fang Ni
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Hai-Bin Shi
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - En-Hua Xiao
- Department of Radiology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Wei-Fu Lv
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Anhui Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Jun-Hui Sun
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Interventional Treatment Center, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Guo-Hong Han
- Department of Liver Disease and Digestive Interventional Radiology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Lin-An Du
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Wei-Xin Ren
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, China
| | - Mao-Quan Li
- Department of Interventional and Vascular Surgery, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Ai-Wu Mao
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shanghai St. Luke's Hospital, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Hua Xiang
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Kai-Xian Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Teng Zhou Central People's Hospital Affiliated to Jining Medical University, Teng Zhou 277599, China
| | - Jie Min
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Guang-Yu Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chang Su
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Gao-Jun Teng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Yao LH, Wang JJ, Shang C, Jiang P, Lin L, Sun HT, Liu L, Liu H, He D, Yang RJ. In vitro Dosimetric Study of Biliary Stent Loaded with Radioactive 125I Seeds. Chin Med J (Engl) 2018; 130:1093-1099. [PMID: 28469106 PMCID: PMC5421181 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.204936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A novel radioactive 125I seed-loaded biliary stent has been used for patients with malignant biliary obstruction. However, the dosimetric characteristics of the stents remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to describe the dosimetry of the stents of different lengths — with different number as well as activities of 125I seeds. Methods: The radiation dosimetry of three representative radioactive stent models was evaluated using a treatment planning system (TPS), thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) measurements, and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. In the process of TPS calculation and TLD measurement, two different water-equivalent phantoms were designed to obtain cumulative radial dose distribution. Calibration procedures using TLD in the designed phantom were also conducted. MC simulations were performed using the Monte Carlo N-Particle eXtended version 2.5 general purpose code to calculate the radioactive stent's three-dimensional dose rate distribution in liquid water. Analysis of covariance was used to examine the factors influencing radial dose distribution of the radioactive stent. Results: The maximum reduction in cumulative radial dose was 26% when the seed activity changed from 0.5 mCi to 0.4 mCi for the same length of radioactive stents. The TLD's dose response in the range of 0–10 mGy irradiation by 137Cs γ-ray was linear: y = 182225x − 6651.9 (R2= 0.99152; y is the irradiation dose in mGy, x is the TLDs’ reading in nC). When TLDs were irradiated by different energy radiation sources to a dose of 1 mGy, reading of TLDs was different. Doses at a distance of 0.1 cm from the three stents’ surface simulated by MC were 79, 93, and 97 Gy. Conclusions: TPS calculation, TLD measurement, and MC simulation were performed and were found to be in good agreement. Although the whole experiment was conducted in water-equivalent phantom, data in our evaluation may provide a theoretical basis for dosimetry for the clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Hong Yao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jun-Jie Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Charles Shang
- Department of Physics, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431; Department of Radiation Oncology, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, FL 33486, USA
| | - Ping Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lei Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hai-Tao Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Di He
- LMAM, School of Mathematical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Rui-Jie Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
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Banerjee S, Mahantshetty U, Shrivastava S. Brachytherapy in India - a long road ahead. J Contemp Brachytherapy 2014; 6:331-5. [PMID: 25337139 PMCID: PMC4200190 DOI: 10.5114/jcb.2014.45761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Brachytherapy can play a very important role in the definitive cure by radiation therapy in India. However, except for in a handful of centres, the majority of hospitals use it only for intracavitary treatment. The most probable reasons for such are the lack of logistical resources in terms of trained personal and supporting staff, rather than lack of radiotherapy machines and equipment. In this article, the authors look into the various aspects of brachytherapy in India: from its beginning to present days. The authors point out the resources available, shortcomings, and some possible solutions to make use of brachytherapy more popular and effective. Apart from presenting a picture of the present scenario, the article pays attention to the positive signs of brachytherapy becoming more popular in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susovan Banerjee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
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