Resident experience in brachytherapy: An analysis of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education case logs for intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy from 2007 to 2018

PurposeWe sought to characterize temporal trends of radiation oncology resident–reported case experience with intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) and interstitial brachytherapy (ISBT).Methods and MaterialsSummarized, deidentified case logs for graduating radiation oncology residents (GRORs) between 2007 and 2018 were obtained from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education national summary data report. Cases were subdivided based on the site of treatment. Analysis of variance was used to determine differences, and strength of association was evaluated using the Pearson correlation.ResultsThe number of GRORs increased by 66% from 114 in 2007 to 189 in 2018 (p < 0.001). Average number of gynecologic ICBT cases per GROR increased, from 39.6 in 2007 to 48.7 in 2018 (p < 0.005). Average number of ISBT cases per GROR decreased, from 34.5 to 20.6 (p < 0.001), due to decreasing prostate volume, from 21.5 to 12 (p < 0.001). Experience with gynecologic ISBT cases remained low at an average of 4.5 cases per year.ConclusionsThe average number of ICBT cases per GROR has increased, although this does not differentiate between cylinder and tandem-based insertions currently. There has been a steady decline in ISBT experience. These findings may have implications for the development of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education case minimums for residency programs.     

Dose distribution of brachytherapy for locally advanced (stage IIB) cervical cancer

PurposeThe aim of the study was to compare the dose distributions of combined intracavitary and interstitial (IC/IS) brachytherapy with 3-catheter IC brachytherapy in treating locally advanced (stage IIB) cervical cancer.Methods and MaterialsIn total, 46 patients were included, each with stage IIB cervical cancer, local lesion sizes ≥5 cm, and tumors that had not regressed after 45 Gy/25 F external intensity-modulated radiotherapy. To identify the dosimetric advantage of delivering a local boost to high-risk (HR)-cervix in IC/IS, patients were divided into two groups: IC/IS and IC/IS + HR-cervix. The differences in dosimetric parameters were compared between the two groups. Comparisons were then made between the parameters of the four planning methods: IC (Point A), IC (three dimensional [3D]), IC/IS, and IC/IS + HR-cervix.ResultsIn patients with IC/IS implants, the relative uterine tandem dwell time was significantly extended in the IC/IS + HR-cervix group, and the V150 and V200 volumes of HR-cervix were increased (all p < 0.001), whereas the D90 and D100 values of the IC/IS + HR-cervix group were lower than those in the IC/IS group. In pairwise comparisons, HR-cervix V150 and V200 values were lowest in the IC/IS group, followed by the IC (3D), IC/IS + HR-cervix, and IC (Point A) groups. All differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05), with the exception of IC/IS vs. IC (3D).ConclusionsWhen treating locally advanced cervical cancer (stage IIB, local residual volume ≥5 cm after external radiotherapy), the IC/IS + HR-cervix optimization method can meet the HR clinical target volume D90 dose requirement, normal tissue dose limits, and can escalate doses to local areas of the cervix.     

宫颈癌腔内联合组织间插植近距离后装治疗中IPSA和HIPO逆向优化算法的比较分析

目的 比较宫颈癌腔内联合组织间插植三维后装计划中模拟退火逆向优化（IPSA）和混合逆向优化（HIPO）剂量分布的差异,为宫颈癌腔内联合组织间插植后装治疗逆向计划优化方法的选择提供依据。方法 选取2016年12月至2017年5月于河北省沧州中西医结合医院43例宫颈癌患者资料,所有患者原后装治疗计划采用IPSA优化,基于原图像信息,给定同样的初始约束条件,不进行手动优化,直接计算IPSA和HIPO计划,对高危靶区（HR-CTV）剂量体积参数D₉₀、D₁₀₀、V_100%,以及均匀性指数（HI）、适形指数（CI）、危及器官（OAR）（膀胱、直肠和乙状结肠）D_{2 cm³}的数据进行评价。结果 两组间HR-CTV的D₉₀、D₁₀₀以及CI剂量差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）,但HIPO组HR-CTV的V_100%为（87.72±0.49）%;HI为（0.51±0.08）,明显高于IPSA组的（85.01±0.55）%,HI（0.42±0.06）,差异具有统计学意义（t=2.54、3.02,P<0.05）。对于OAR,与IPSA计划相比,HIPO计划中膀胱的D_{2 cm³}（3.42±0.17）Gy,直肠的D_{2 cm³}（3.04±0.37）Gy,明显低于IPSA计划膀胱的D_{2 cm³}（3.57±0.28）Gy,直肠的D_{2 cm³}（3.21±0.48）Gy,差异具有统计学意义（t=0.27、0.19,P<0.05）。乙状结肠D_{2 cm³}剂量两者差异无统计学意义。结论 在宫颈癌腔内联合组织间插植后装治疗中,采用HIPO优化比IPSA优化可以获得更好的靶区HI以及减少膀胱和直肠的受照剂量。     

三种不同优化方法在局部晚期宫颈癌腔内联合组织间插植近距离治疗计划中的剂量学比较

目的 比较分析局部晚期宫颈癌腔内联合组织间插植近距离治疗计划3种优化方法的剂量学差异。方法 回顾性选取局部晚期宫颈癌患者20例,对每例患者根据不同优化方法,分别制定3种计划,分别为手动计划组,基于图形优化;逆向1计划组,基于模拟退火优化算法;逆向2计划组,在逆向1组基础上增加了靶区（CTV）最大剂量限定。比较计划中CTV的体积剂量参数V₂₀₀、V₁₅₀、V₁₀₀、D₁₀₀、D₉₀、均匀性指数（HI）,以及直肠、膀胱、乙状结肠的剂量参数D_{0.1 cm³}、D_{1 cm³}、D_{2 cm³}。结果 CTV方面,手动组和2个逆向组的D₁₀₀参数差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）,但2个逆向组的V₂₀₀、V₁₅₀、V₁₀₀、HI参数明显优于手动组（t=-3.422~9.910,P<0.05）。逆向1组的V₁₀₀和D₁₀₀优于逆向2组（t=7.238、5.032,P<0.05）。危及器官（OARs）方面,与手动组相比,2个逆向组中直肠、膀胱、乙状结肠的D_{0.1 cm3}、D_{1 cm³}和D_{2 cm³}明显降低（t=2.235~5.819,P<0.05）。结论 对于局部晚期宫颈癌腔内联合组织间插植技术,基于3组优化方法的计划均能满足临床需求,且使用逆向优化方法保证了靶区剂量覆盖,同时减少直肠、膀胱、乙状结肠的最大受量。     

A modified technique for high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy in advanced cancer of the cervix

PURPOSE: To develop a modified technique for high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy in cervical cancer stage IIIb. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Cervical carcinoma FIGO Stage III accounts for > 60% of all cervical cancers with radiation being the mainstay of treatment for most patients. After external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), the cervix is often flush with the vagina and the shape of the vagina may be conical with its apex at the external os level. All patients receive 2 applications with HDR brachytherapy. At the first application after the placement of the central tandem, only one ovoid is inserted and the other ovoid is replaced by a rubber tube, and the applicator assembly is fixed as usual. The contralateral ovoid is inserted at the subsequent application. RESULTS: To date, 21 locally advanced cervical cancer patients have been treated using this technique. In these patients, the mean dose to right and left Point A was 93% (range, 86-100%; median, 93%) and 95% (range, 90-100%; median, 95%), respectively. The variation of doses to the contralateral Point A was 1-14%. The mean dose to the rectal and bladder mucosa was 62% (range, 43-80%; median, 64%) and 80% (range, 50-110%; median, 71%), respectively. CONCLUSION: This modified HDR intracavitary technique may prove an alternative for centers where interstitial brachytherapy for cancer of the cervix is not available.     

不同HR-CTV下单纯腔内治疗与腔内联合组织间插植治疗在宫颈癌三维后装治疗中的对比研究

目的 研究不同高危临床靶体积（HR-CTV）下单纯腔内治疗与腔内联合组织间插植（腔内+插植）治疗技术在宫颈癌三维后装治疗中的剂量学差异,并探讨HR-CTV是否存在阈值。 方法 回顾性分析2019年10月至2021年2月于广西医科大学第四附属医院接受根治性放疗的100例中晚期宫颈癌患者的临床资料,年龄35~63岁,中位年龄51岁。根据后装治疗技术不同将患者分为单纯腔内治疗组（45例）、腔内+插植治疗组（55例）。按患者每个计划的HR-CTV大小分为6个体积范围进行分析,即HR-CTV≤40 cm3、40 cm33、50 cm33、60 cm33、70 cm33、HR-CTV>80 cm3。 采用独立样本t检验比较2种后装治疗技术在不同体积范围内的靶区和危及器官（OAR）的剂量学参数。 结果 当HR-CTV≤40 cm3时,单纯腔内治疗组的靶区剂量（D90、D100）、靶区覆盖度（V100）及靶区高量（D50、V150、V200）均高于腔内+插植治疗组,且差异均有统计学意义（t=2.826~3.927,均P<0.05）,但靶区适形指数（CI）、OAR膀胱和直肠D2 cm3（2 cm3的OAR体积接受的最低照射剂量）的差异均无统计学意义（t=0.186、1.871、0.258,均P>0.05）。当70 cm33和HR-CTV>80 cm3时,腔内+插植治疗组的靶区剂量（D90、D100）、靶区覆盖度（V100）、CI、OAR直肠和膀胱D2 cm3剂量均显著优于单纯腔内治疗组,且差异均有统计学意义（t=−6.872~3.782,均P<0.05）,而2种治疗技术的靶区高量（D50、V150、V200）相近,差异无统计学意义（t=0.613~1.918,均P>0.05）。当40 cm33时,2组的靶区剂量（D90、D100）、靶区覆盖度（V100 ）以及直肠D2 cm3的差异均无统计学意义（t=−1.759~0.710,均P>0.05）,但腔内+插植治疗组的CI显著优于单纯腔内治疗组,且差异均有统计学意义（t=−2.590、−4.577、−3.144,均P<0.05）。 结论 对于小体积靶区（≤40 cm3）,单纯腔内治疗技术在不增加OAR剂量的情况下能更好地提高靶区剂量和靶区内高剂量体积;当靶区体积较大特别是>70 cm3时,腔内+插植治疗技术能在显著提高靶区处方剂量和适形度的同时更好地保护OAR。     

Application of optical photogrammetry in radiation oncology: HDR surface mold brachytherapy

PurposeWe propose a novel method of designing surface mold brachytherapy applicators using optical photogrammetry. The accuracy of this technique for the purpose of 3D-printing surface mold brachytherapy applicators is investigated.Methods and MaterialsPhotogrammetry was used to generate a 3D model of a patient's right arm. The geometric accuracy of the model was evaluated against CT in terms of volume, surface area, and the Hausdorff distance. A surface mold applicator was then 3D printed using this reconstructed model. The accuracy was evaluated by analyzing the displacement and air-gap volumes between the applicator and plaster cast on a CT image. This technique was subsequently applied to generate a 3D-printed applicator of the author's hand directly, as a proof of principle, using only photographic images.ResultsThe volume and surface area of the model were within 0.1% and 2.6% of the CT-obtained values, respectively. Using the Hausdorff distance metric, it was determined that 93% of the visible vertices present in the CT-derived model had a matching vertex on the photogrammetry-derived model within 1 mm, indicating a high level of similarity. The maximum displacement between the plaster cast of the patient's arm and the photo-derived 3D-printed applicator was 1.2 mm with a total air-gap volume of approximately 0.05 cm³.ConclusionsPhotogrammetry has been applied to the task of generating 3D-printed brachytherapy surface mold applicators. The current work demonstrates the feasibility and accuracy of this technique and how it may be incorporated into a 3D-printing brachytherapy workflow.     

一体化超分割后装治疗中晚期宫颈鳞癌的疗效和并发症观察

目的 观察一体化超分割后装治疗中晚期宫颈鳞癌的疗效及并发症的发生情况,并将其和常规后装治疗进行比较。方法 观察组为2004年1月至2005年1月接受一体化超分割后装治疗的患者,共328例,每周治疗2次,每次A点剂量2.5~3.0 Gy,每周累积剂量5.0~6.0 Gy。A点平均总剂量Ⅱ_b期49.8Gy,Ⅲ_b期52.6Gy。对照组选择2002年1月至2003年12月接受常规后装治疗的患者,共331例,每次A点剂量5.0~7.0 Gy,每周治疗1次。A点平均总剂量Ⅱ_b期50.1 Gy,Ⅲ_b期53.5 Gy。体外照射开始时同时行腔内后装治疗,两组的体外照射方式相同,均采用直线加速器产生的15MV X线行盆腔体外照射。结果 观察组Ⅱ_b期近期控制率97.2%(104/107),Ⅲ_b期近期控制率94.1%(208/221)。3年总生存率80.5%(264/328),5年总生存率为68.6%(225/328)。放射性膀胱炎的发生率为5.2%(17/328),放射性直肠炎的发生率为14.6%(48/328)。对照组Ⅱ_b期近期控制率95.4%(103/108),Ⅲ_b期近期控制率92.8%(207/223)。3年总生存率75.2%(249/331),5年总生存率为62.5%(207/331)。放射性膀胱炎的发生率为13.3%(44/331),放射性直肠炎的发生率为32.3%(107/331)。结论 一体化超分割后装加盆腔体外照射治疗中晚期宫颈鳞癌,在近期控制率和远期生存率方面与常规后装加盆腔体外照射相当,但是明显降低了并发症的发生率。     

3D打印模板应用于局部晚期宫颈癌后装放疗的剂量学研究

目的 局部晚期宫颈癌后装放疗应用3D打印微创导向模板的剂量学研究。方法 本研究为前瞻性研究,选取2016年5月-2019年8月就诊河北省沧州中西医结合医院的局部晚期宫颈癌患者共68例,均为偏心性或外照射后仍有巨大肿块（肿瘤直径>5 cm）残存的患者,外照射采用调强放疗,后装治疗方法为腔内联合组织间插植放疗,高危临床靶区（high-risk clinical target area,HR-CTV）剂量为6 Gy/次,1次/周,共5次。68例患者采用随机数表法分为两组,其中模板组35例采用3D打印微创导向模板辅助置入宫腔管并植入插植针;自由插植组33例徒手进行宫腔管的置入及插植针的植入。所有患者均于CT引导下调整宫腔管、插植针位置及深度,将最终CT图像传入后装治疗计划系统,勾画靶区及危及器官,制定治疗计划,实施治疗。结果 共制定340次后装放疗计划,其中模板组175次、自由插植组165次。模板组较自由插植组的HR-CTV的D₉₀（包绕90%靶区体积的剂量）、中危临床靶区（intermediate-risk clinical target volume,IR-CTV）的D₉₀均明显增高（t=3.63、2.45,P<0.05）,膀胱、直肠及乙状结肠的D_{2 cm³}均显著降低（t=-2.81、-2.54、-2.33,P<0.05）。同时,模板组每次后装治疗平均扫描CT次数为（1.78±0.53）次,每次治疗从宫腔管及插植针植入至调整达满意位置的平均消耗时间为（11.35±3.98）min,每次治疗使用插植针的针数平均为（5.21±1.37）枚。而自由插植组分别为（3.56±0.88）次,（30.67±5.83）min,（7.48±2.79）枚,两组比较差异均具有统计学意义（t=-2.26、-4.53、-3.21,P<0.05）。结论 对于偏心性或巨大肿块的局部晚期宫颈癌患者,腔内联合组织间插植治疗应用3D打印微创导向模板剂量学优势明显,操作简便,用时短。     

Dosimetric analysis of breast cancer tumor bed boost: An interstitial brachytherapy vs. external beam radiation therapy comparison for deeply seated tumors

PurposeTo dosimetrically compare interstitial brachytherapy (MIBT) vs. EBRT (3DCRT and high-energy electron beams) for deep-seated tumor bed boosts (depth ≥4 cm) in early-stage breast cancer.Methods and MaterialsPlanning CTs of fifteen left-side breast cancer patients previously treated with MIBT boost chosen for this study. MIBT, 3DCRT (three-field technique), and enface high-energy electron (15–18 MeV) plans retrospectively generated on these images. To minimize intrapatient target contour inconsistency, due to a technical limitation for transferring identical contours from brachytherapy to EBRT planning system, spherical volumes delineated as hypothetical CTVs (CTV-H) (depth ≥4 cm with considering the geometry of the brachytherapy implant) instead of original lumpectomy cavities (which had irregular contours). In EBRT, PTV-H=CTV-H+5 mm. To account for beam penumbra, additional PTV-H to beam-edge margins added (3DCRT = 5 mm; electron = 10 mm). Included organs at risk (OARs) were ipsilateral breast, skin, ribs, lung, and heart. Prescribed dose-fractionations were 12 Gy/3fractions (MIBT) and 16 Gy/8fractions (EBRT) (BED = 24 Gy, breast cancer Alpha/Beta = 4 Gy). Biologically equivalent DVH parameters for all techniques compared.ResultsMean CTV-H depth was 6 cm. Normal breast V_25%–V_100%; skin V_10%–V_90%; rib V_25%–V_75%; lung V_5%–V_25%; heart V_10%; mean lung dose; ribs/lung D_max were lower in MIBT vs. 3CDRT. MIBT reduced breast V_25%–V_125%; skin V_25%–V_125%; rib V_25%–V_75% and V_100%; lung V_25%–V_90%; heart V_10%–V_50%; skin/ribs/lung D_max compared to electrons. In contrast, breast V_125%–V_250% and V_175%–V_250% were increased in MIBT vs. 3DCRT and electron plans, respectively. Electron plans had the minimum mean heart dose.ConclusionsFrom a dosimetric point of view, in deeply-seated lumpectomy beds, MIBT boost better protects OARs from exposure to medium and high doses of radiation compared to 3DCRT and high energy electron beams (except more ipsilateral breast hot spots).     

Is oncoplastic surgery a contraindication for accelerated partial breast radiation using the interstitial multicatheter brachytherapy method?

PurposeTo evaluate accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) in patients after oncoplastic surgery for early breast cancer.Methods and MaterialsA retrospective analysis of 136 breasts of 134 patients, who received breast-conserving oncoplastic surgery for low-risk breast cancer between 2002 and 2010 in the Universities of Vienna and Luebeck followed by adjuvant APBI applying total doses of pulse dose rate of 50.4 Gy or high-dose rate (HDR) of 32 Gy over 4 days. Target volume definition was performed by the use of surgical-free margin data, related to intraoperatively fixed clip positions, pre- and postoperative imaging, and palpation.ResultsAt the time of data acquisition, 131 of 134 patients were alive. The median follow-up time was 39 months (range, 4–106 months). After high-dose rate treatment, 3 of 89 patients showed systemic progress after a mean follow-up of 47 months (range, 19–75 months) and 2 patients had a different quadrant in-breast tumor after 27 and 35 months. One patient died 7 months after treatment of unknown causes. After pulse dose rate treatment, 1 of 45 patients had a local recurrence after 42 months and 1 patient died because of another cause after 13 months. We observed mild fibrosis in 27 breasts, telangiectasia in 6, hyperpigmentation in 14 cases, and keloid formation in 1.ConclusionsThese preliminary results suggest the feasibility of multicatheter APBI after oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery in selected low-risk breast cancer patients; however, special attention to target volume definition is needed. Further prospective investigations with long follow-up are needed to define the real value of the procedure.     

Overall survival comparison between androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) plus external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) vs ADT plus EBRT with brachytherapy boost in clinically node-positive prostate cancer

PurposeOptimal therapy for clinically node-positive, nonmetastatic (cN1) prostate cancer (PC) patients remains controversial, ranging from aggressive local therapy to palliative systematic therapy alone. Despite guideline support, it is unclear if a brachytherapy (BT) boost should be considered for cN1 patients as these patients were excluded from randomized trials establishing its benefit. Herein, we compare definitive radiation therapy (RT) with or without a BT boost in cN1 PC.Methods and materialsThe National Cancer Database was used to identify men with cN1 PC treated with definitive RT and concomitant androgen deprivation therapy between 2004 and 2013. Overall survival (OS) was compared between those who received external beam RT (EBRT) or combination EBRT plus BT boost (EBRT + BT) using Kaplan–Meier with propensity score matching and Cox proportional hazards.ResultsWith a median followup of 48.5 months, 1,650 patients were eligible for this analysis, 103 (6.2%) of whom received EBRT + BT. Younger age, no medical comorbidities, and Gleason score of six were associated with higher likelihood of receiving EBRT + BT over EBRT alone. The mean (median) OS for EBRT and EBRT + BT was 99.0 (110.6) months vs 109.2 (not reached) months, respectively (p = 0.048). However, no significance difference in OS was observed between the groups after propensity score matching. On multivariable analysis, EBRT + BT was not significantly associated with improved OS (adjusted HR 0.67, 95% CI, 0.41–1.07, p = 0.098).ConclusionsIn this retrospective, observational study of patients with cN1 PC treated with definitive RT and concomitant androgen deprivation therapy, EBRT + BT had an unadjusted improvement in OS compared with EBRT alone that lost statistical significance after multivariable adjustment and propensity score matching.     

Establishing a simulation-based education program for radiation oncology learners in permanent seed implant brachytherapy: Building validation evidence

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to establish a simulation-based education program for radiation oncology learners in permanent seed implant brachytherapy. The first step in formalizing any education program is a validation process that builds evidence-based verification that the learning environment is appropriate.Methods and MaterialsThe primary education task allowed practitioners to use an anthropomorphic breast phantom to simulate a permanent seed implant brachytherapy delivery. Validation evidence is built by generating data to assess learner and expert cohorts according to their proficiency. Each practitioner's performance during the simulation was evaluated by seed placement accuracy, procedural time-to-complete, and two qualitative evaluation tools—a global rating scale and procedural checklist.ResultsThe average seed placement accuracy (±SD) was 8.1 ± 3.5 mm compared to 6.1 ± 2.6 mm for the learner and expert cohort, respectively. The median (range) procedural time-to-complete was 64 (60–77) minutes and 43 (41–50) minutes for the learner and expert cohort, respectively. Seed placement accuracy (student t-test, p < 0.05) and procedural time-to-complete (Mann–Whitney U-test, p < 0.05) were statistically different between the cohorts. In both the global rating scale and procedural checklist, the expert cohort demonstrated improved proficiency compared to the learner cohort.ConclusionsThis validation evidence supports the utilization of this simulation environment toward appropriately capturing the delivery experience of practitioners. The results demonstrate that, in all areas of evaluation, expert cohort proficiency was superior to learner cohort proficiency. This methodology will be used to establish a simulation-based education program for radiation oncology learners in permanent seed implant brachytherapy.     

A new development in ultrasound-compatible gynecologic brachytherapy simulators

PurposeGynecologic brachytherapy is an essential component in the curative treatment of cervical cancer. With the decline in brachytherapy utilization, gynecologic brachytherapy simulators are being used to provide a mechanism to enhance proficiency-based resident training. However, most models that have been used lack procedural fidelity as they are either repurposed from OB/GYN basic models or from physics phantoms. Therefore, we set out to develop a high-fidelity, ultrasound- and CT-compatible gynecologic brachytherapy training simulator.Methods and MaterialsBased on prior experience with gynecologic training simulators on the market, we developed a wish list for an ultrasound-compatible brachytherapy training model. A custom simulator was developed based on an existing pelvic ultrasound trainer. Features included a cervical os and endometrial canal as well as a palpable and hypoechoic cervical tumor.ResultsThe model took about 3 months from the initial meeting with the developer to completion. The properties of the material were equivalent to water for ultrasound, CT, and also MRI and the model did not show signs of degradation after multiple tandem insertions.ConclusionsA high-fidelity ultrasound-compatible simulator was effectively developed and utilized to improve resident training to perform brachytherapy implants with a derivative benefit in the long term of improving survival for women with advanced gynecologic malignancies through having access to more proficient brachytherapists. Future directions include enhancing the model to allow for repetitive needle insertion and suturing for interstitial training as well as creating variations in anatomy (e.g., retroverted uterus, bulky tumors, etc.) for more advanced technical training.     

Development,implementation, and outcomes of a simulation-based medical education (SBME) prostate brachytherapy workshop for radiation oncology residents

PurposeDespite a preponderance of data demonstrating strong clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness, prostate brachytherapy use and competency continue to decline. Enhanced resident education may help reverse this trend. We therefore developed and implemented a simulation-based medical education course for low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy (LDR-PB).Materials and MethodsA 1-week LDR-PB course comprised four 1-h lectures on clinical outcomes, physics, radiobiology, and anatomy/contouring, followed by a 4.5-h simulation session on ultrasound-guided prostate phantom implantation, was developed for radiation oncology residents at an academic institution. A 10-statement Likert-scale survey and 20-question multiple-choice test were administered 1 week before and 4 weeks after the course.ResultsPrecourse and postcourse instruments were completed by 24 and 20 residents, respectively. The median number of prior LDR-PB cases after at least one genitourinary rotation was 10.5 (range 5–20). Overall mean test scores were significantly improved (55% before the course vs 68% after the course; p = 0.010). Mean Likert scores significantly increased on nine of 10 survey statements and were significantly increased overall (2.4 before the course vs 3.3 after the course, p < 0.001). When asked about interest in performing brachytherapy after residency, 37.5% of residents “agreed” or “strongly agreed” before the course vs 50% after the course (p = 0.41). Those with higher postresidency brachytherapy interest (scores of 4–5 vs 1–3) had significantly more LDR-PB cases (11.2 vs 5.3 cases; p = 0.005).ConclusionsA 1-week simulation-based medical education course for LDR-PB can improve didactic performance and self-reported technical competence/confidence, and may increase overall enthusiasm for brachytherapy. Future studies at our institution will incorporate evaluation of implant quality and assessment of procedural competence into this framework. Residency programs should dedicate resources to this essential component of radiation oncology.     

125I植入对小鼠移植性实体瘤抑制效果

目的观察12I籽源组织间植入对小鼠移植性实体瘤的治疗效果.方法建立小鼠艾氏腹水瘤细胞移植性实体肿瘤模型.治疗组在肿瘤组织内平均植入4粒表面放射活性为8.14MBq的BT-125-Ⅰ型125I籽源,对照组植入4粒无放射活性的空心籽源.治疗28 d,记录小鼠存活率.处死存活的小鼠,测量残存肿瘤的体积、重量并计算肿瘤体积抑制率.对摘除的肿瘤组织进行常规病理切片检查,观察籽源对肿瘤组织的破坏程度和范围.结果治疗28 d,治疗组和对照组小鼠存活率分别为75%和50%;平均瘤重分别为(0.347±0.25)g,(5.162±1.75)g(t=6.164,P＜0.05);肿瘤平均体积分别为(175.9±147.9)mm3,(3974.1±1507.7)mm3(t=5.618,P＜0.05),肿瘤体积抑制率为95.6%.常规病理切片结果显示,125I籽源周围0～3 mm范围内肿瘤细胞病理变化由凝固坏死向外逐渐减弱为变性坏死;空心籽源周边区域仅有机械刺激导致的轻微水肿和纤维化.结论125I籽源组织间植入对小鼠实体肿瘤具有显著的治疗效果.     

Nineteen-year single-center experience in 76 patients with penile cancer treated with high-dose-rate brachytherapy

PURPOSETo report the outcomes for 76 patients with penile cancer treated with high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) at a single institution.METHODSSeventy-six patients with penile cancer treated with HDR-BT in our department between October 1998 and September 2018 were analyzed. Seventy underwent interstitial HDR-BT (fractionation dose range of 3–3.5 Gy given twice a day with an interval of at least six hours between the fractions), and six underwent superficial treatment with mold applicators (fractionation dose range of 4–7 Gy given once or twice a week).RESULTSMedian follow-up was 76 months (7–204 months). In the whole group, 22/76 local failures (28.9%) were observed: 14/76 (18.4%) local recurrences and 8/76 (10.5%) cases of persistent disease. Median time to recurrence was 24 months (9–54 months). Inguinal lymph node metastases were observed in 18/76 cases (23.7%). Distant metastases occurred in 12/76 (15.8%) cases. Patients with local recurrence and persistent disease underwent salvage penectomies, except four who refused surgery and underwent a second course of interstitial HDR-BT. Five- and 10-year cause-specific survival were 85.0% and 77.8%, respectively. Local control at 5 and 10 years was 65.6%. Five- and 10-year penile preservation were 69.5% and 66.9%, respectively. There was no G3 or G4 acute toxicity. One urethral stenosis (1.3%) occurred in a patient with a T3 tumor and was treated successfully with dilatation.CONCLUSIONSHDR-BT provides good local control of penile cancer and is a good option for penis preservation therapy and in our experience achieves a penile preservation rate at 10 years of 66.9%.