Differences between intraoperative ultrasound-based dosimetry and postoperative computed tomography-based dosimetry for permanent interstitial prostate brachytherapy

PurposeTo compare the results of intraoperative ultrasound (US)-based dosimetry with those of postimplant computed tomography (CT)-based dosimetry after ¹²⁵I prostate brachytherapy.Methods and MaterialsSubjects comprised 160 patients who underwent prostate brachytherapy using ¹²⁵I seed implants. Prescribed dose was set as 145 Gy to the periphery of the prostate. Implantation was performed using an intraoperative interactive technique. Postimplant dosimetry was performed on Days 1 and 30 after implantation using CT. Dosimetric results for the prostate, urethra, and rectum were compared among intraoperative US and CT on Day 1 (CT₁) and Day 30 (CT₃₀).ResultsMean minimal dose received by 90% of prostate volume was 133.7%, 115.6%, and 125.8% of the prescribed dose on US, CT₁, and CT₃₀, respectively: This value temporarily decreased on Day 1 and increased on Day 30. Other parameters for the prostate and urethra showed similar trends. Conversely, mean rectal volume receiving 100% of the prescribed dose was 0.69, 0.46, and 1.02 mL on US, CT₁, and CT₃₀, respectively. Rectal parameters tended to be underestimated on US relative to CT₃₀-based dosimetry. A positive linear relationship was identified between US and CT observations for every prostate parameter and the dose covering 30% of the urethra.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate significant differences between dosimetric parameters obtained by US, CT₁, and CT₃₀. However, significant correlations also exist between US and CT, at least in prostate and urethral parameters. Clarification of the degrees of difference might make US planning more feasible.