A phantom study to assess accuracy of needle identification in real-time planning of ultrasound-guided high-dose-rate prostate implants

Abstract

Factors limiting the accuracy of US-based needle reconstruction have been identified. Once recognized, these errors can be corrected for, resulting in accurate implant geometry. This facilitates a treatment technique combining excellent anatomic definition, minimal prostate motion, and accurate dose planning and delivery.

Single-fraction high-dose-rate brachytherapy using real-time transrectal ultrasound based planning in combination with external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer: Dosimetrics and early clinical results

“…Published data on the clinical outcomes of HDRBT boost included patients treated with CT or MRI-based planning. Studies have shown the feasibility of ultrasound catheter tip localization compared with CT imaging [11,15]. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report early toxicity and PSA results of HDRBT boost using real-time TRUS-based planning, and the second to report dosimetric and clinical results of single-fraction HDRBT boost of 15 Gy.…”

“…Then, the sagittal mode is selected and catheters are pushed into the prostate to the bladder neck to ensure a good coverage of the prostate base ( Figure 1B). To know the exact position of the needle tip, a measurement of the needle lengths protruding beyond the template is performed ( Figure 1C) [11]. Once catheters are well positioned, three-dimensional TRUS images are acquired and prostate, anterior rectal wall and urethra are delineated by the radiation oncologist ( Figure 1D).…”

Towards real-time 3D ultrasound planning and personalized 3D printing for breast HDR brachytherapy treatment

“…Two 3D printers could also simply be used. While real-time 3DUS planning and needle insertion guidance is expected to improve the efficiency of interstitial breast brachytherapy procedures, as it did for prostate cancer treatments [9], it remains to be tested through clinical trials.…”

“…3DUS systems [8] now offer, for the prostate, real-time planning and real-time guidance during insertion [9]. Furthermore, the potential of real-time 3DUS planning and catheter optimization for prostate cancer cases was demonstrated [10].…”

“…The current method is clinically proven; however there is no guarantee that it is the optimal one. For example, there are indications that fat necrosis could be related to the number of catheters used and that it is also related to worse cosmetic outcomes [7].3DUS systems [8] now offer, for the prostate, real-time planning and real-time guidance during insertion [9]. Furthermore, the potential of real-time 3DUS planning and catheter optimization for prostate cancer cases was demonstrated [10].…”