Ultrahypofractionated Radiotherapy for Localised Prostate Cancer: How Far Can We Go?

Following adoption of moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy as a standard for localised prostate cancer, ultrahypofractioned radiotherapy delivered in five to seven fractions is rapidly being embraced by clinical practice and international guidelines. However, the question remains: how low can we go? Can radiotherapy for prostate cancer be delivered in fewer than five fractions? The current review summarises the evidence that radiotherapy for localised prostate cancer can be safely and effectively delivered in fewer than five fractions using high dose rate brachytherapy or stereotactic body radiotherapy. We also discuss important lessons learned from the single-fraction high dose rate brachytherapy experience.     

Oncentra近距离计划系统和MIM系统间DVH参数差异的分析

目的对近距离治疗计划的剂量参数在Oncentra治疗计划系统与MIM系统间产生的差异进行分析和研究。方法选取本院的43例妇科肿瘤患者近距离治疗计划,按照临床要求所有病例的靶区D₉₀达到处方剂量。评估参数包括:靶区体积和D₉₀,处方剂量总体积,靶区内的处方剂量体积以及危及器官包括:直肠,膀胱,小肠的D_0.01cc,D_1cc,D_2cc。结果计划系统中的靶区体积和处方剂量值均明显小于MIM系统中相应的值(P<0.05),两系统显示出的处方体积相差不大。MIM系统中的靶区D₉₀(676.74±54.82)cGy小于处方剂量,危及器官的受量则正好相反,即计划系统比MIM系统中相应的参数要小,其中直肠和膀胱的D_0.01cc,D_1cc,D_2c,小肠的D_0.01cc,D_2cc的在两系统显示的值的差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论不同系统间传输相同的剂量和轮廓文件,DVH参数存在一定的差异,其主要原因是在不同系统对已勾画的各种器官轮廓计算体积存在算法上的不同。基于此,建议近距离计划在CT扫描时,尽量小的层厚可以消除或减少这种差异。     

Individualized 3D-printed templates for high-dose-rate interstitial multicathether brachytherapy in patients with breast cancer

Purpose

High-dose-rate, multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy is technically complex and operator-dependent, requiring lengthy training and specialized skills. Furthermore, until the advent of contouring on computerized tomography (CT) images, difficulties existed in locating the target volume precisely. The present article reports the results of a study that aimed at producing and validating a 3D-printed template to aid in target volume localization for multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy in patients with breast cancer.

CT引导徒手腔内联合插植自适应后装与传统A点后装治疗宫颈癌剂量比较

目的 探讨CT引导徒手腔内联合插植实现影像引导自适应后装(IGABT)相较于传统A点二维后装(CP)剂量学优势,明确其在宫颈癌治疗中的价值。方法 选取在中山大学肿瘤医院行全量放疗的宫颈癌患者 26例,每例患者行4次后装治疗。治疗时先徒手置入宫腔管及2根插植针,后增加插植针数量并调整方向、深度,分别行CT扫描获得2套图像。勾画高危临床靶区(HRCTV),A点和危及器官(直肠、膀胱及乙状结肠)。在2套图像上分别行CP和IGABT计划设计,并配对t检验、Wilcoxon检验两者剂量参数差异。结果 以CP计划的覆盖指数(CI)进行分组,A组(CI≥0.90)包含20个CP和对应IGABT计划,B组(CI<0.90)包含84个CP和对应IGABT计划。A组的HRCTV体积及肿瘤直径明显小于B组(46.7cm³∶62.1cm³,P<0.001及3.1cm∶4.4cm,P<0.0001)。IGABT显著提高所有及B组D90%及覆盖指数,降低膀胱剂量,减少A组乙状结肠剂量,并改善剂量适形度及均匀性。结论 IGABT能提高靶区覆盖、剂量适形度和均匀性,保护危及器官,且对肿瘤较大的患者仍有优势。     

Imaging-guided brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer: the main process and common techniques

Brachytherapy (BT) delivers integrated boost doses to the central tumor while sparing the surrounding organs at risk (OARs) efficiently. It’s a mandatory treatment component for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) because it results in excellent overall survival and local control compared with other dose boosting modalities. Currently, BT is undergoing a transition from 2-dimensional (2D) to 3-dimensional (3D) treatment planning. Imaging-guided BT (IGBT) employing computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide exact individual delineation of target and OARs meanwhile prescribe the dose to the target volume instead of “point A” for X-ray-based BT. There are three main techniques for BT: intracavitary (IC), interstitial (IS), and intracavitary/interstitial (IC/IS) combination. The applicator choice depends on the specific tumor extension. The real-time transabdominal ultrasound (US)-guided applicator placement technique is strongly recommended to ensure ideal applicator positioning. MRI is the ideal standard imaging for BT owing to its superior soft tissue visualization than CT. However, CT-based BT is more often performed because of the availability. In developing countries, US-based BT can be adopted. For treatment planning, the applicator reconstruction is easier on CT than on MRI, because the applicator image is more clearly visible. Individual treatment planning should be performed for every single applicator insertion to ensure dose accuracy. In this review article, we explain the main clinical process and common techniques, including the applicator choice and placement, imaging techniques, target delineation, and treatment planning; asthose will help to improve the efficiency of 3D BT.     

Yttrium-90 Radioembolization to the Prostate Gland: Proof of Concept in a Canine Model and Clinical Translation

PurposeTo investigate the feasibility, safety, and absorbed-dose distribution of prostatic artery radioembolization (RE) in a canine model.Materials and MethodsFourteen male castrated beagles received dihydroandrosterone/estradiol to induce prostatic hyperplasia for the duration of the study. Each dog underwent fluoroscopic prostatic artery catheterization. Yttrium-90 (⁹⁰Y) microspheres (TheraSphere; Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts) were delivered to 1 prostatic hemigland (dose escalation from 60 to 200 Gy), with the contralateral side serving as a control. Assessments for adverse events were performed throughout the follow-up (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0). Positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging provided a confirmation after the delivery of absorbed-dose distribution. MR imaging was performed before and 3, 20, and 40 days after RE. Tissue harvest of the prostate, rectum, bladder, urethra, penis, and neurovascular bundles was performed 60 days after RE.ResultsAll the animals successfully underwent RE. Positron emission tomography/MR imaging demonstrated localization to and good coverage of only the treated hemigland. No adverse events occurred. The MR imaging showed a significant dose-dependent decrease in the treated hemigland size at 40 days (25%–60%, P < .001). No extraprostatic radiographic changes were observed. Necropsy demonstrated no gross rectal, urethral, penile, or bladder changes. Histology revealed RE-induced changes in the treated prostatic tissues of the highest dose group, with gland atrophy and focal necrosis. No extraprostatic RE-related histologic findings were observed.ConclusionsProstate ⁹⁰Y RE is safe and feasible in a canine model and leads to focal dose-dependent changes in the gland without inducing unwanted extraprostatic effects. These results suggest that an investigation of nonoperative prostate cancer is warranted.     

宫颈癌图像引导三维近距离后装治疗中国专家共识

近年来宫颈癌三维近距离治疗(BT)技术在中国得到快速发展。与二维技术相比,宫颈癌图像引导的三维BT技术可以提高局控率、生存率。三维BT要求用体积剂量参数评价治疗靶区及危及器官受量,探索体积剂量参数与局控率、并发症发生率之间关系。BT开始时肿瘤残留体积及形状与局控率有明确相关性,应当结合MRI、超声、妇科检查结果,综合判断残留肿瘤体积。腔内联合组织间插植技术可以改善靶区剂量分布。严格遵守靶区勾画、体积剂量原则以及质控要求。为规范其应用,中华医学会放射治疗学分会近距离治疗学组、中国医师协会放射肿瘤分会妇科肿瘤学组、中国抗癌协会近距离治疗专委会结合中国国情联合制定此专家共识。     

后装腔内插植放疗与三维后装腔内放疗治疗局部晚期宫颈癌的疗效与剂量学比较

目的探讨后装腔内插植放疗与三维后装腔内放疗治疗局部晚期宫颈癌的疗效与剂量学差异。方法将212例局部晚期宫颈癌患者,按照治疗方法的不同分为A组(106例)和B组(106例)。在体外三维适形调强放疗的基础上,A组采用后装腔内插植放疗,B组采用三维后装腔内放疗。对比两组近期疗效、并发症发生率以及剂量学差异。结果B组患者高危临床靶区D100、D90和中危临床靶区D100、D90均明显低于A组,膀胱、直肠、乙状结肠的D2cm3均明显高于A组,差异均有统计学意义(P﹤0.01)。A组患者总有效率明显高于B组,放射性直肠炎、放射性膀胱炎发生率均明显低于B组,差异均有统计学意义(P﹤0.01)。结论后装腔内插植放疗能够在提升肿瘤组织受照剂量的同时,降低危及器官的受照剂量,提升近期缓解率、控制率,减少不良反应。