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Poltorak M, Banatkiewicz P, Poltorak L, Sobolewski P, Zimon D, Szwast M, Walecka I. Brachytherapy and 3D printing for skin cancer: A review paper. J Contemp Brachytherapy 2024; 16:156-169. [PMID: 38808207 PMCID: PMC11129648 DOI: 10.5114/jcb.2024.137357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy, in which a radiation source is placed directly or close to a tumor. It is commonly used to treat skin cancer, and enables precise irradiation treatment of affected area (planning target volume - PTV) while minimizing exposure dose to surrounding healthy tissue (organs at risk - OARs). Recently, the use of 3D printing has begun revolutionizing brachytherapy, as it allows manufacturing of custom-designed applicators for unique shape of skin topography, tumor, and surrounding tissues. Outcome of the combination of 3D printing and brachytherapy has several advantages over traditional treatment planning methods. Some of the advantages are intuitive, whereas others can be concluded from a literature overview as follows: 1) Possibility of developing patient-specific applicators that precisely match the shape of tumor area; 2) Reduction of the time required for applicator production, especially when custom-made devices are needed; 3) Reduction of manufacturing costs; 4) Treatment procedures improvement; 5) Improvement of safety measures accelerated by the development of smart materials (e.g., polymer filaments with admixture of heavy elements); 6) Possibility of nearly instant adjustment into tumor treatment (applicators can be changed as the tumor is changing its shape); and 7) Applicators designed to securely fit to treatment area to hold radioactive source always in the same place for each fraction. Consequently, tumor-provided dose is accurate and leads to effective treatment. In this review paper, we investigated the current state-of-the-art of the application of 3D printing in brachytherapy. A number of existing reports were chosen and reviewed in terms of printing technology, materials used, treatment effectiveness, and fabrication protocols. Furthermore, the development of future directions that should be considered by collaborative teams bridging different fields of science, such as medicine, physics, chemistry, and material science were summarized. With the indicated topics, we hope to stimulate the innovative progress of 3D printing technology in brachytherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Poltorak
- The National Institute of Medicine of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel Banatkiewicz
- The National Institute of Medicine of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lukasz Poltorak
- Electrochemistry@Soft Interfaces Team, Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Piotr Sobolewski
- The National Institute of Medicine of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Dermatology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Damian Zimon
- The National Institute of Medicine of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Dermatology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Szwast
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Irena Walecka
- The National Institute of Medicine of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Dermatology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
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Rodríguez Villalba S, Guirado LLorente D, Sanz Cazorla A, Perez-Calatayud J, Rembielak A. HDR brachytherapy in keratinocyte skin carcinomas - Single center experience with analysis of clinical, dosimetric, and radiobiological factors in acute skin toxicity. Brachytherapy 2023; 22:108-119. [PMID: 36376228 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2022.10.003] [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: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiotherapy techniques have been utilized to treat keratinocyte skin carcinoma (KSC). The objective of this study was to report the results of patients with KSC treated with HDR brachytherapy, with a variety of techniques and applicators. A statistical analysis of clinical, radiobiological, and technical factors has been made to analyze those factors related to skin acute toxicity, focused on acute epithelitis G3. METHODS AND MATERIALS Between February 2005 and August 2020, 93 patients with 120 histologically proven KSC have been treated in our Institution. BT treatment has been performed using superficial BT/plesiotherapy (Valencia applicator (22%), flaps (48%), customized molds (4%) or interstitial techniques (26%)). The indications of BT were primary/definitive in 38 treatments (32%) or adjuvant/postoperative in 82 (68%). In 14 (17%) of the 82 operated patients a skin graft. Mean comparison t tests were performed for quantitative variables, and percentage comparison Chi2 tests for qualitative. Multivariate binomial logistic regression models were done. RESULTS Median follow-up was 36.5 months (range 5-141). Local control was achieved in 110 treatments (92%). Acute toxicity, dermatitis, was G1 7%; G2, 57% and G3 38%. The main factors statistically associated to the appearance of dermatitis G3 were the total dose, the volume treated, and the use of manufactured flaps. The main protective factor against dermatitis G3 was implant of skin graft. CONCLUSIONS In KSC BT the use of manufactured flap is accompanied by greater EG3, only with a relationship with the volume of treatment and total dose.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Damian Guirado LLorente
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (Ibs.Granada). Unidad de Radiofísica, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio. Granada, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Granada, Spain.
| | | | - José Perez-Calatayud
- Radiotherapy Department, Hospital Clínica Benidorm, Benidorm, Alicante, Spain; Radiotherapy Department, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital. Valencia, Spain.
| | - Agata Rembielak
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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Li X, Su FC, Sarkar V, Zhao H, Ibanez S, Kunz JN, Nelson G, Jessica Huang Y. Impact of detector selection on commissioning of Leipzig surface applicators with improving immobilization in high-dose-rate brachytherapy. Brachytherapy 2022; 21:511-519. [PMID: 35256286 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2022.01.007] [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: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Commission and treatment setup of Leipzig surface applicators, because of the steep dose gradient and lack of robust immobilization, is challenging. We aim to improve commissioning reliability by investigating the impact of detector choice on percentage depth dose (PDD) verifications, and to enhance accuracy and reproducibility in calibration/treatment setup through a simple and novel immobilization device. METHODS AND MATERIALS PDD distributions were measured with radiochromic films, optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters (OSLDs), a diode detector, and both cylindrical and parallel plate ionization chambers. The films were aligned to the applicators in parallel and transverse orientations. PDD data from a benchmarking Monte Carlo (MC) study were compared with the measured results, where surface doses were acquired from extrapolation. To improve setup accuracy and reproducibility, a custom-designed immobilization prototype device was made with cost-effective materials using a 3D printer. RESULTS The measured PDD data with different detectors had an overall good agreement (<±10%). The parallel plate ionization chamber reported unreliable doses for the smallest applicator. There was no remarkable dose difference between the two film setups. The two-in-one prototype device provided a rigid immobilization and a flexible positioning of the applicator. It enhanced accuracy and reproducibility in calibration and treatment setup. CONCLUSION We recommend using radiochromic films in the transverse orientation for a reliable and efficient PDD verification. The applicator's clinical applicability has been limited by a lack of robust immobilization. We expect this economical, easy-to-use prototype device can promote the use of Leipzig applicators in surface brachytherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.
| | - Fan-Chi Su
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Vikren Sarkar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Sergio Ibanez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Jeremy N Kunz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Geoff Nelson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Y Jessica Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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Draeger E, Pinkham DW, Chen ZJ, Tien CJ. Clinically-implementable template plans for multidwell treatments using Leipzig-style applicators in 192Ir surface brachytherapy. Brachytherapy 2020; 20:401-409. [PMID: 33288488 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2020.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Multiple dwell positions ("multidwell") within a Leipzig-style applicator can be used to increase dose uniformity and treatment area. Model-based dose calculation algorithms (MBDCAs) are necessary for accurate calculations involving these applicators because of their nonwater equivalency and complex geometry. The purpose of this work was to create template plans from MBDCA calculations and present their dwell times and positions for users of these applicators without access to MBDCAs. METHODS AND MATERIALS The Leipzig-style solid applicator model within our treatment planning system was used to design template plans. Five template plans, normalized to 0.3 cm depth within a water phantom, were optimized using the treatment planning system MBDCA. Each template plan contained unique dwell positions, times, and active lengths (0.5-1.5 cm). A single-dwell distribution was optimized for comparison. The stem of this applicator stops within the shell; therefore, one template plan contained an intrafraction rotation to determine the largest dose distribution achievable. Effects of imperfect applicator rotation were quantified by inserting rotational offsets and comparing the V100%, D95%, and minimum dose coverage for planning target volumes created from 80%/90% isodose lines. RESULTS The 90% (80%) isodose line dimensions at 0.3 cm depth for single-dwell increased from 0.94 × 0.97 (1.53 × 1.57) cm2 to 2.09 × 1.24 (2.75 × 1.88) cm2 in the largest template plan. Manually inserted angular offsets up to ±10° for the template plan requiring rotation preserved V100%, D95%, and minimum dose within 2.0%, 1.9%, and 8.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION A set of template plans was created to provide accessibility to the multidwell methodology, even for users without access to MBDCAs. Each template plan should be reviewed before clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Draeger
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
| | - Daniel W Pinkham
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Zhe Jay Chen
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Christopher J Tien
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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Fulkerson RK, Perez‐Calatayud J, Ballester F, Buzurovic I, Kim Y, Niatsetski Y, Ouhib Z, Pai S, Rivard MJ, Rong Y, Siebert F, Thomadsen BR, Weigand F. Surface brachytherapy: Joint report of the AAPM and the GEC‐ESTRO Task Group No. 253. Med Phys 2020; 47:e951-e987. [DOI: 10.1002/mp.14436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Regina K. Fulkerson
- Department of Medical Physics University of Wisconsin–Madison Madison WI53705 USA
| | - Jose Perez‐Calatayud
- Radiotherapy Department La Fe Hospital Valencia46026 Spain
- Radiotherapy Department Clinica Benidorm Alicante03501 Spain
| | - Facundo Ballester
- Department of Atomic, Molecular and Nuclear Physics University of Valencia Burjassot46100 Spain
| | - Ivan Buzurovic
- Dana‐Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center Harvard Medical School Boston MA02115 USA
| | - Yongbok Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology University of Arizona Tucson AZ85724 USA
| | - Yury Niatsetski
- R&D Elekta Brachytherapy Waardgelder 1 Veenendaal3903 DD Netherlands
| | - Zoubir Ouhib
- Radiation Oncology Department Lynn Regional Cancer CenterBoca Raton Community Hospital Boca Raton FL33486 USA
| | - Sujatha Pai
- Radion Inc. 20380 Town Center Lane, Suite 135 Cupertino CA95014 USA
| | - Mark J. Rivard
- Department of Radiation Oncology Alpert Medical School Brown University Providence RI02903 USA
| | - Yi Rong
- Department of Radiation Oncology University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center Sacramento CA95817 USA
| | - Frank‐André Siebert
- UK S‐HCampus Kiel, Klinik fur Strahlentherapie (Radioonkologie) Arnold‐Heller‐Str. 3Haus 50 KielD‐24105 Germany
| | - Bruce R. Thomadsen
- Department of Medical Physics University of Wisconsin–Madison Madison WI53705 USA
| | - Frank Weigand
- Carl Zeiss Meditec AG Rudolf‐Eber‐Straße 11 Oberkochen73447 Germany
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Guinot JL, Rembielak A, Perez-Calatayud J, Rodríguez-Villalba S, Skowronek J, Tagliaferri L, Guix B, Gonzalez-Perez V, Valentini V, Kovacs G. GEC-ESTRO ACROP recommendations in skin brachytherapy. Radiother Oncol 2018; 126:377-385. [PMID: 29455924 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2018.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this publication is to compile available literature data and expert experience regarding skin brachytherapy (BT) in order to produce general recommendations on behalf of the GEC-ESTRO Group. METHODS We have done an exhaustive review of published articles to look for general recommendations. RESULTS Randomized controlled trials, systemic reviews and meta-analysis are lacking in literature and there is wide variety of prescription techniques successfully used across the radiotherapy centers. BT can be delivered as superficial application (also called contact BT or plesiotherapy) or as interstitial for tumours thicker than 5 mm within any surface, including very irregular. In selected cases, particularly in tumours located within curved surfaces, BT can be advantageous modality from dosimetric and planning point of view when compared to external beam radiotherapy. The general rule in skin BT is that the smaller the target volume, the highest dose per fraction and the shortest overall length of treatment can be used. CONCLUSION Skin cancer incidence is rising worldwide. BT offers an effective non-invasive or minimally invasive and relative short treatment that particularly appeals to elder and frail population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Guinot
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Foundation Instituto Valenciano de Oncologia (I.V.O.), Valencia, Spain
| | - Agata Rembielak
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jose Perez-Calatayud
- Department of Radiation Oncology, La Fe University Hospital-IRIMED, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Janusz Skowronek
- Brachytherapy Department, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznań, Poland; Electroradiology Department, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
| | - Luca Tagliaferri
- Polo Scienze Oncologiche ed Ematologiche, Istituto di Radiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Benjamin Guix
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Foundation IMOR, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victor Gonzalez-Perez
- Department of Radiation Physics, Foundation Instituto Valenciano de Oncologia (I.V.O.), Valencia, Spain
| | - Vincenzo Valentini
- Polo Scienze Oncologiche ed Ematologiche, Istituto di Radiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - György Kovacs
- Interdisciplinary Brachytherapy Unit, UKSH CL, Lübeck, Germany
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Rodríguez S, Arenas M, Gutierrez C, Richart J, Perez-Calatayud J, Celada F, Santos M, Rovirosa A. Recommendations of the Spanish brachytherapy group (GEB) of Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology (SEOR) and the Spanish Society of Medical Physics (SEFM) for high-dose rate (HDR) non melanoma skin cancer brachytherapy. Clin Transl Oncol 2017; 20:431-442. [PMID: 28808925 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-017-1733-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Clinical indications of brachytherapy in non-melanoma skin cancers, description of applicators and dosimetry recommendations are described based on the literature review, clinical practice and experience of Spanish Group of Brachytherapy and Spanish Society of Medical Physics reported in the XIV Annual Consensus Meeting on Non Melanoma Skin Cancer Brachytherapy held in Benidorm, Alicante (Spain) on October 21st, 2016. All the recommendations for which consensus was achieved are highlighted in blue. Regular and small surfaces may be treated with Leipzig, Valencia, flap applicators or electronic brachytherapy (EBT). For irregular surfaces, customized molds or interstitial implants should be employed. The dose is prescribed at a maximum depth of 3-4 mm of the clinical target volume/planning target volume (CTV/PTV) in all cases except in flaps or molds in which 5 mm is appropriate. Interstitial brachytherapy should be used for CTV/PTV >5 mm. Different total doses and fraction sizes are used with very similar clinical and toxicity results. Hypofractionation is very useful twice or 3 times a week, being comfortable for patients and practical for Radiotherapy Departments. In interstitial brachytherapy 2 fractions twice a day are applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Rodríguez
- Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital Clínica Benidorm, Av. Alfonso Puchades 8, 30501, Benidorm, Alicante, Spain.
| | - M Arenas
- Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Tarragona, Spain
| | - C Gutierrez
- Radiation Oncology Department, Institut Català d'Oncologia, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
| | - J Richart
- Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital Clínica Benidorm, Av. Alfonso Puchades 8, 30501, Benidorm, Alicante, Spain
| | - J Perez-Calatayud
- Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital La Fe-IRIMED, Valencia, Spain
| | - F Celada
- Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital La Fe-IRIMED, Valencia, Spain
| | - M Santos
- Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital Clínica Benidorm, Av. Alfonso Puchades 8, 30501, Benidorm, Alicante, Spain
| | - A Rovirosa
- Radiation Oncology Department, ICMHO, Hospital Clínic I Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
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Two years results of electronic brachytherapy for basal cell carcinoma. J Contemp Brachytherapy 2017; 9:251-255. [PMID: 28725249 PMCID: PMC5509982 DOI: 10.5114/jcb.2017.68191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The use of radiation therapy (RT) for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) has been changing throughout the last century. Over the last decades, the use of radiotherapy has surged with the development of new techniques, applicators, and devices. In recent years, electronic brachytherapy (eBT) devices that use small x-ray sources have been introduced as alternative to radionuclide dependence. Nowadays, several devices have been incorporated, with a few series reported, and with a short follow-up, due to the recent introduction of these systems. The purpose of this work is to describe the clinical results of our series after two years follow-up with a specific eBT system. Material and methods This is a prospective single-center, non-randomized pilot study, to assess clinical results of electronic brachytherapy in basal cell carcinoma using the Esteya® system. In 2014, 40 patients with 60 lesions were treated. Patient follow-up on a regular basis was performed for a period of two years. Results Twenty-six patients with 44 lesions achieved two years follow-up. A complete response was documented in 95.5% of cases. Toxicity was mild (G1 or G2) in all cases, caused by erythema, erosion, or alopecia. Cosmesis was excellent in 88.6% of cases, and good in the rest. Change in pigmentation was the most frequent cosmetic alteration. Conclusions This work is special, since the equipment’s treatment voltage was 69.5 kV, and this is the first prospective study with long term follow-up with Esteya®. These preliminary report show excellent results with less toxicity and excellent cosmesis. While surgery has been the treatment of choice, certain patients might benefit from eBT treatment. These are elderly patients with comorbidities or undergoing anticoagulant treatment as well as those who simply refuse surgery or might have other contraindications.
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Individualized 3D scanning and printing for non-melanoma skin cancer brachytherapy: a financial study for its integration into clinical workflow. J Contemp Brachytherapy 2017; 9:270-276. [PMID: 28725252 PMCID: PMC5509979 DOI: 10.5114/jcb.2017.68134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Skin cancer is the most common tumor in the population. There are different therapeutic modalities. Brachytherapy is one of the techniques used, in which it is necessary to build customized moulds for some patients. Currently, these moulds are made by hand using rudimentary techniques. We present a new procedure based on 3D printing and the analysis of the clinical workflow. Material and methods Moulds can be made either by hand or by automated 3D printing. For making moulds by hand, a patient’s alginate negative is created and, from that, the gypsum cast and customized moulds are made by hand from the patient’s negative template. The new process is based on 3D printing. The first step is to take a 3D scan of the surface of the patient and then, 3D modelling software is used to obtain an accurate anatomical reconstruction of the treatment area. We present the clinical workflow using 3D scanning and printing technology, comparing its costs with the usual custom handmade mould protocol. Results The time spent for the new process is 6.25 hours, in contrast to the time spent for the conventional process, which is 9.5 hours. We found a 34% reduction in time required to create a mould for brachytherapy treatment. The labor cost of the conventional process is 211.5 vs. 152.5 hours, so the reduction is 59 hours. There is also a 49.5% reduction in the financial costs, mostly due to lack of need of a computed tomography (CT) scan of the gypsum and the mould. 3D scanning and printing offers financial benefits and reduces the clinical workload. Conclusions As the present project demonstrates, through the application of 3D printing technologies, the costs and time spent during the process in the clinical workload in brachytherapy treatment are reduced. Overall, 3D printing is a promising technique for brachytherapy that might be well received in the community.
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Does ultrasound measurement improve the accuracy of electronic brachytherapy in the treatment of superficial non-melanomatous skin cancer? J Contemp Brachytherapy 2017; 9:14-19. [PMID: 28344599 PMCID: PMC5346604 DOI: 10.5114/jcb.2017.65476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Electronic brachytherapy (eBT) is a form of contact radiation therapy used for thin superficial non-melanomatous skin cancers (NMSCs). An accurate measurement of diameter and depth is important for eBT treatment planning. Therefore, we compared clinical measurements by an experienced physician to measurements obtained using ultrasound (US), an objective imaging modality, in order to determine if clinical measurements were accurate enough for adequate NMSC treatment. Material and methods Eighteen patients with 20 biopsy-proven NMSCs first had a clinical examination and then an US evaluation prior to starting eBT. One physician provided a clinical measurement for diameter and depth based on physical examination during radiation oncology consultation. The patients then had an US evaluation with a 14 or 18 MHz US unit, to determine both the diameter and depth measurements; eBT dose prescription was done using the US derived measurements. The clinical measurements and US measurements were compared using a t-test. Results Seventeen lesions were basal cell carcinoma and 3 lesions were squamous cell carcinoma. The most common location was the nose (10 lesions). The difference between the clinical and the US derived measurements for the second largest diameter was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.03), while the difference for the largest diameter of the lesions was not (p = 0.24). More importantly, the depth measurements obtained with US were also found to be significantly different from the clinical estimates (p = 0.02). All patients have had a complete response to therapy with a median follow-up of 24 months. Conclusions Statistically different measurements were obtained in 2 of 3 parameters used in choosing applicator size and prescription depth using an US assessment. The data presented suggests that US is a more objective modality than clinical judgment for determining superficial NMSC diameter and prescription depth for personalized eBT planning.
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Failure mode and effects analysis of skin electronic brachytherapy using Esteya ® unit. J Contemp Brachytherapy 2016; 8:518-524. [PMID: 28115958 PMCID: PMC5241381 DOI: 10.5114/jcb.2016.64745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Esteya® (Nucletron, an Elekta company, Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden) is an electronic brachytherapy device used for skin cancer lesion treatment. In order to establish an adequate level of quality of treatment, a risk analysis of the Esteya treatment process has been done, following the methodology proposed by the TG-100 guidelines of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM). Material and methods A multidisciplinary team familiar with the treatment process was formed. This team developed a process map (PM) outlining the stages, through which a patient passed when subjected to the Esteya treatment. They identified potential failure modes (FM) and each individual FM was assessed for the severity (S), frequency of occurrence (O), and lack of detection (D). A list of existing quality management tools was developed and the FMs were consensually reevaluated. Finally, the FMs were ranked according to their risk priority number (RPN) and their S. Results 146 FMs were identified, 106 of which had RPN ≥ 50 and 30 had S ≥ 7. After introducing the quality management tools, only 21 FMs had RPN ≥ 50. The importance of ensuring contact between the applicator and the surface of the patient’s skin was emphasized, so the setup was reviewed by a second individual before each treatment session with periodic quality control to ensure stability of the applicator pressure. Some of the essential quality management tools are already being implemented in the installation are the simple templates for reproducible positioning of skin applicators, that help marking the treatment area and positioning of X-ray tube. Conclusions New quality management tools have been established as a result of the application of the failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) treatment. However, periodic update of the FMEA process is necessary, since clinical experience has suggested occurring of further new possible potential failure modes.
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