Impact of Systematic MRI Assisted Treatment Planning on Local Control in Cervix Cancer: Vienna Experience in 145 Patients Treated by Intracavitary ± Interstitial Brachytherapy From 1998–2003

Dosimetric evaluation of the feasibility of utilizing a reduced number of interstitial needles in combined intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy for cervical cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate the ability of the Venezia advanced multichannel tandem and ring applicator to consistently produce dosimetrically comparable plans utilizing a reduced number of needle channels, to reduce the risk of secondary complications when boosting cervical cancer treatments with high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy.

METHODS

We evaluated 26 fractions from 13 patients who were treated with HDR brachytherapy using the Venezia (Elekta) applicator. The original plans included a full load of 12-16 needles, including both parallel and 30-degree oblique needles. We replanned each original to nine new configurations, with a reduced number of two, three, four, or six needles. Comparisons included differences in percentage dose coverage to 90% of the high-risk clinical target volume, and percentage dose to 2 cm³ of the bladder, rectum, sigmoid, and bowel. We considered new plans "passing" if they remained within our standards (D90 > 100%; D2 cm³  < 85% bladder, <65% rectum, sigmoid, bowel) or did not perform worse than original.

RESULTS

Removing only the two most anterior or the two most posterior needles from both sides showed 80.8% and 61.5% overall passing rate. Removal of the most anterior and posterior four needles together showed 65.4% overall passing rate. Removing all oblique needles showed 19.2% overall passing rate. Removing only left-sided or only right-sided oblique needles showed 46.2% and 23.1% overall passing, respectively. Removing only right-sided or only left-sided parallel needles separately showed 19.2% and 34.6% overall passing, respectively. Removing all parallel needles showed 11.5% overall passing rate.

CONCLUSIONS

As only two replans required a full needle load to maintain dosimetric quality and 40 (76.9%), 36 (34.6%), 18 (69.2%), and 10 (19.2%) replans passed with 2, 3, 4, and 6 needles removed respectively, this indicates the potential for using a lesser number of interstitial needles during combined intracavitary and interstitial HDR brachytherapy while maintaining dosimetric quality.

Review of strategies for MRI based reconstruction of endocavitary and interstitial applicators in brachytherapy of cervical cancer

Brachytherapy plays an essential role in the curative intent management of locally advanced cervical cancer. The introduction of the magnetic resonance (MR) as a preferred image modality and the development of new type of applicators with interstitial components have further improved its benefits. The aim of this work is to review the current status of one important aspect in the cervix cancer brachytherapy procedure, namely catheter reconstruction. MR compatible intracavitary and interstitial applicators are described. Considerations about the use of MR imaging (MRI) regarding appropriate strategies for applicator reconstruction, technical requirements, MR sequences, patient preparation and applicator commissioning are included. It is recommendable to perform the reconstruction process in the same image study employed by the physician for contouring, that is, T2 weighted (T2W) sequences. Nevertheless, a clear identification of the source path inside the catheters and the applicators is a challenge when using exclusively T2W sequences. For the intracavitary component of the implant, sometimes the catheters may be filled with some substance that produces a high intensity signal on MRI. However, this strategy is not feasible for plastic tubes or titanium needles, which, moreover, induce magnetic susceptibility artifacts. In these situations, the use of applicator libraries available in the treatment planning system (TPS) is useful, since they not only include accurate geometrical models of the intracavitary applicators, but also recent developments have made possible the implementation of the interstitial component. Another strategy to improve the reconstruction process is based on the incorporation of MR markers, such as small pellets, to be used as anchor points. Many institutions employ computed tomography (CT) as a supporting image modality. The registration of CT and MR image sets should be carefully performed, and its uncertainty previously assessed. Besides, an important research work is being carried out regarding the use of ultrasound and electromagnetic tracking technologies.

The Vienna applicator for combined intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy of cervical cancer: Clinical feasibility and preliminary results

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to investigate the clinical feasibility and to report on preliminary treatment outcomes of combined intracavitary/interstitial brachytherapy, using a novel applicator and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based treatment planning in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A total of 22 cervical cancer patients with insufficient response and/or unfavorable topography after external-beam irradiation were included in this study. Parametrial extent of the disease in these patients was judged to exceed the coverage limit of intracavitary brachytherapy alone. A modified tandem/ring (T/R) applicator for guidance of parametrial needles (N) was used to perform high-dose-rate-brachytherapy with MRI-based treatment planning. Clinical feasibility and preliminary treatment outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 44 interstitial needle implants were performed. The spatial relations between the T/R + N applicator, high-risk clinical target volume, and organs at risk were visible clearly in all cases. Accurate and reproducible needle placement could be achieved in the majority of cases. No severe adverse events were caused by the intervention. The mean follow-up period was 20 months (range, 5-35 months). No G3 to G4 early or persistent late side effects were observed. Complete remission was achieved in 21 patients (95%). One local recurrence was observed within the high-risk clinical target volume area during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary clinical experience indicates that combined intracavitary and interstitial MRI-based brachytherapy in patients with significant residual disease after external-beam therapy extending up to the distal third of parametria is feasible and allows excellent local control and a low rate of morbidity.