Comparison of 3 different postimplant dosimetry methods following permanent 125I prostate seed brachytherapy

Postimplant dosimetry (PID) after Iodine-125 (¹²⁵I) implant of the prostate should offer a reliable qualitative assessment. So far, there is no consensus regarding the optimum PID method, though the latest literature is in favor of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study aims to simultaneously compare 3 PID techniques: (1) MRI-computed tomography (CT) fusion; (2) ultrasound (US)-CT fusion; and (3) manual target delineation on CT. The study comprised 10 patients with prostate cancer. CT/MR scans with urinary catheters in place for PID were done either on day 0 or day 1 postimplantation. The main parameter evaluated and compared among methods was target D90. The results show that CT-based D90s are lower than US-CT D90s (median difference,?6.85%), whereas MR-CT PID gives higher D90 than US-CT PID (median difference, 4.25%). Manual contouring on CT images tends to overestimate the prostate volume compared with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) (median difference, 23.33%), whereas on US images the target is overestimated compared with MR-based contouring (median difference, 13.25%). Although there are certain differences among the results given by various PID techniques, the differences are statistically insignificant for this small group of patients. Any dosimetric comparison between 2 PID techniques should also account for the limitations of each technique, to allow for an accurate quantification of data. Given that PID after permanent radioactive seed implant is mandatory for quality assurance, any imaging method–based PID (MR-CT, US-CT, and CT) available in a radiotherapy department can be indicative of the quality of the procedure.     

Sector analysis of dosimetry of prostate cancer patients treated with low-dose-rate brachytherapy

PurposeBrachytherapy is an effective single treatment modality for low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Here, we compare the radiation doses in different prostate sectors between the preimplant planning images and the postimplant dosimetry.Methods and MaterialsTwo hundred fifteen consecutive patients treated for prostate cancer by ¹²⁵I seed brachytherapy were assessed. Pretreatment plans using transrectal ultrasound images of the prostate were compared with the dose calculated on posttreatment MRI and CT scans obtained 1 month after seed implantation. Twelve sectors were generated by dividing the prostate base, midgland, and apex into four quadrants each. Pretreatment and posttreatment dosimetry were compared between the 12 different sectors of the prostate.ResultsAverage V₁₀₀ (percentage of prostate volume that receives 100% of the prescribed dose) in the preimplant planning images of the prostate was 99.9 ± 0.25% compared with postimplant V₁₀₀ of 94.8 ± 3.77% (p < 0.0001). Prostate V₁₀₀ in the postimplant dosimetry was >91% in all sectors, except the anterior base sector, in which it was 64.87 ± 20.96%. Average 1-month D₉₀ (the dose to 90% of the prostate volume) was 114.5 ± 10.55%. D₉₀ at 1 month compared with preimplant planning was lower in the prostate base and higher in the prostate apex (p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur results show that in ¹²⁵I seed brachytherapy, prostate base receives a lower dose and apex receives a higher dose compared with preimplant planned dose coverage.     

Impact of selection of post-implant technique on dosimetry parameters for permanent prostate implants

PURPOSE: To investigate the variability of prostate implant quality indices between three different methods of calculating the post-implant dose distribution. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In a study of 9 permanent prostate implant patients, post-implant dosimetry was carried out using three methods of identifying seed positions within the prostate volume: (1) prostate volumes defined by transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) immediately following implant were registered with shift-film defined seed positions, (2) seeds were identified directly from the post-implant TRUS images, and (3) CT was used to define seed positions and prostate volumes from images acquired at 41-65 days post-implant. For each method, the volume of prostate receiving 90%, 100%, and 150% of the prescribed dose (V90, V100, V150) and the dose delivered to 90% of the prostate volume (D90) were calculated. RESULTS: Post-implant TRUS volumes were within 15% of the preimplant TRUS volumes in 8 of the 9 patients investigated. The post-implant CT volume was within 15% of the preimplant (TRUS) volume in only 3 of the 9 cases. The value of the dosimetry parameters was dependent on the method used and varied by 5-25% for V90, 5-30% for V100, 42-134% for V150, and 9-60% for D90. No simple relationship was found between change in volume and the resultant change in dosimetry parameter. Differences in dosimetry parameters due to source localization uncertainties was found to be small (< or = 10% for V100) when comparing methods (1) and (2). CONCLUSIONS: There are many uncertainties in the calculation of parameters that are commonly used to describe the quality of a permanent prostate implant. Differences in the parameters calculated were most likely a result of a combination of factors including uncertainties in delineating the prostate with different imaging modalities, differences in source identification techniques, and intraobserver variability.     

Scintigraphic detection of 125I seeds after permanent brachytherapy for prostate cancer.

The purpose of this investigation was to monitor the localization and migration of 125I seeds after permanent brachytherapy for prostate cancer using a new scintigraphic technique that may overcome the drawbacks of conventional x-ray methods. METHODS: 125I seeds emit gamma-rays with an average energy peak of 28 keV. We used a gamma-camera equipped with low-energy high-resolution collimators that were tuned to an energy level of 35 keV with a 70% window width. Sixteen patients with prostate cancer were examined after 125I seed insertion. The number of seeds remaining in the prostate was confirmed using pelvic CT for postoperative dose planning; however, seeds that had migrated outside the prostate could not be detected. Furthermore, the migrated seeds were not completely traceable using chest or abdominal radiography. Thus, we adopted a scintigraphic technique to perform this task. The evaluation of radiography and scintigraphy findings was masked, and the rates of migrated seed detection were statistically examined using the McNemar test. To localize the migrated seeds, we fused the scintigraphic images of the migrated seeds and the patients' contours. RESULTS: Scintigraphy was successfully used to detect 20 migrated seeds of a total of 1,182 implanted seeds, whereas radiography was successfully used to detect 7. The sensitivity of the scintigraphy results was 20 of 20 (100%), whereas that of the radiography results was 7 of 20 (35%). Seed migration was detected in 11 of 16 patients (69%) using scintigraphy, whereas seed migration was detected in only 4 patients (25%) using radiography; this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Scintigraphy is more effective for detecting seed migration and monitoring the localization of 125I seeds than radiography. The precise anatomic location of migrated seeds can be pinpointed using fusion images. Scintigraphy may become a standard procedure for monitoring seed migration during 125I brachytherapy in patients with prostate cancer.     

Radiation protection and dosimetry issues for patients with prostate cancer after I-125 low-dose-rate brachytherapy permanent implant

PurposeThe aim of this work was to analyze the exposure rates measured in the proximity of patients who underwent prostate low-dose-rate brachytherapy with I-125 implant. Effective doses to relatives and to population were computed to estimate the time to reach radioprotection dose constraints.Methods and MaterialsMeasurements were obtained from 180 patients, whereas the body mass index was calculated and reported for 77 patients. The day after the implant, $\dot{K}$ measurements were conducted at various skin distances and positions and converted to effective doses. A theoretical model was developed to estimate effective doses from total implanted activity. The latter was approximated with a 10-mL vial inside the patient.ResultsThe $\dot{K}$ measurements showed a low correlation with the total implanted activity, albeit an increasing trend of $\dot{K}$ was observed on increasing the activity. A stronger correlation was found between body mass index and $\dot{K}$ measurements.The effective dose to population is in general lower than dose constraints as well as the effective doses to relatives, with the exception of children and pregnant women, who command special precautions. We report differences between the experimental model– and theoretical model–based dose evaluation together with their comparison with previous studies found in literature.ConclusionsBased on the $\dot{K}$ measurements and the results of the present analysis, it is possible to provide the patient with radiation safety instructions specifically tailored to his relatives’ habits and working environment.     

Evaluation of the visibility of a new thinner 125I radioactive source for permanent prostate brachytherapy

PurposeThe ¹²⁵I source currently used for prostate brachytherapy at St. James’s Institute of Oncology is a standard size seed (≈4.5 mm in length and 0.8 mm in diameter). A new, thinner seed is under evaluation. This is designed to be implanted using narrower needles, potentially reducing edema and improving the dose distribution. This study investigated the visibility of the thinner source on multimodality images and compared it with that of standard size seeds.Methods and MaterialsImages of dummy seeds of both thinner and standard size models were taken using ultrasound, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and CT images were acquired with the seeds inserted into phantoms positioned in a water tank. The MR images were acquired using phantoms containing single seeds. The images were analyzed visually and quantitatively. The resolution of closely spaced seeds on CT images was investigated.ResultsThe visibility of both seeds was similar on ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and MR images. On CT images, the thinner seeds give reduced artifacts and better resolution.ConclusionsThe use of the thinner seed would have minimal effect on ultrasound and fluoroscopy imaging during treatment. However on CT images, the use of the thinner seeds may improve seed identification for post-treatment dosimetry. Further study is required into the suitability of MR images alone for post-treatment dosimetry.     

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.     

Preliminary study of correction of original metal artifacts due to I-125 seeds in postimplant dosimetry for prostate permanent implant brachytherapy

Purpose

We investigated a subtraction-based reprojection approach to reduce CT metal artifacts due to I-125 seeds and evaluated the clinical implications in postimplant dosimetry for prostate permanent implant brachytherapy.

Materials and Methods

The raw projection data were used to reduce metal artifacts due to I-125 seeds. CT images of the metal parts only were separated from the original CT images by setting the threshold for pixel value to that of the I-125 seeds. Using these images, sinograms of CT images with and without seeds were obtained by inverse Radon transform (iRT), and the sinogram of the metal image was subtracted from that of the original image. Finally, the image was reconstructed using the sinogram by Radon transform (RT). This technique was applied to a prostate phantom and to a patient undergoing prostate permanent implant brachytherapy.

Results

Metal artifacts from I-125 seeds were reduced in both the phantom and patient studies. This technique decreased the density of the inner region of seeds but enhanced the density of the seed edge, thereby facilitating the identification of seed number, orientation, and location.

Conclusion

This method reduces metal artifacts from I-125 seeds, and has potential for decreasing the time required for and improving the accuracy of postimplant dosimetry.     

First report on the use of a thinner 125I radioactive seed within 20-gauge needles for permanent radioactive seed prostate brachytherapy: Evaluation of postimplant dosimetry and acute toxicity

PurposeTo compare postoperative dosimetry and acute toxicity of new 0.5-mm ¹²⁵I seeds in 20-gauge (20G) diameter prostate brachytherapy (PB) needles with standard 0.8-mm seeds in 18G needles.Methods and MaterialsPostoperative dosimetry was performed on 100 consecutive PB patients treated with ThinSeeds in 20G needles and compared with 100 consecutively treated PB patients using standard-sized seeds and needles (18G). Dosimetry was performed on postoperative Day 1 CT scans. Acute urinary retention was also compared between these two groups. Acute toxicity was evaluated in 22 consecutively treated patients with thinner seeds/needles and compared with 22 consecutive concurrent patients treated with standard seeds and needles. All patients were evaluated by pre- and post-PB self-administered surveys, physical examinations on post-PB Day 1, and telephone surveys on Day 7. Endpoints included dysuria, acute urinary retention, hematuria, perineal pain/bruising, and International Prostate Symptom Score.ResultsPost-PB dosimetric comparison demonstrated that the V₁₀₀ (95% vs. 91%), D₉₀ (161 Gy vs.149 Gy), V₁₅₀ (55% vs. 45%), and RV₁₀₀ (0.43 cc vs. 0.30 cc) were significantly (p < 0.0004) higher in the 20G group. Urinary retention rates were 8% and 7% and median catheter-dependent durations were 7 and 14 days for the 20G and 18G groups, respectively. No significant differences were found for dysuria, hematuria, or International Prostate Symptom Score. Post-PB Day 1 perineal bruising and pain scores on Days 1 and 7 were significantly less (p < 0.04) in 20G cohort.ConclusionsSmaller diameter needles and seeds resulted in improved post-PB Day 1 V₁₀₀ and D₉₀ dosimetry, and significantly less acute perineal pain and bruising.     

Preliminary study of correction of original metal artifacts due to 1-125 seeds in postimplant dosimetry for prostate permanent implant brachytherapy

Purpose We investigated a subtraction-based reprojection approach to reduce CT metal artifacts due to I-125 seeds and evaluated the clinical implications in postimplant dosimetry for prostate permanent implant brachytherapy. Materials and Methods The raw projection data were used to reduce metal artifacts due to I-125 seeds. CT images of the metal parts only were separated from the original CT images by setting the threshold for pixel value to that of the I-125 seeds. Using these images, sinograms of CT images with and without seeds were obtained by inverse Radon transform (iRT), and the sinogram of the metal image was subtracted from that of the original image. Finally, the image was reconstructed using the sinogram by Radon transform (RT). This technique was applied to a prostate phantom and to a patient undergoing prostate permanent implant brachytherapy. Results Metal artifacts from I-125 seeds were reduced in both the phantom and patient studies. This technique decreased the density of the inner region of seeds but enhanced the density of the seed edge, thereby facilitating the identification of seed number, orientation, and location. Conclusion This method reduces metal artifacts from I-125 seeds, and has potential for decreasing the time required for and improving the accuracy of postimplant dosimetry. This study was partly supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Grant No. 177908826807) of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).     

Experience of brachytherapy using I-125 seed permanent implants for localized prostate cancer

PURPOSE: We report here our experience of brachytherapy using I-125 seeds for localized prostate cancer in 100 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out brachytherapy with I-125 seed permanent implants in 100 patients with localized prostate cancer between September 2003 and October 2004. Preplanning dosimetry was done using transrectal ultrasonic images obtained three or four weeks prior to treatment. Using transrectal ultrasound, we inserted I-125 seeds in the prostate through needles according to the preplanning diagram. We then examined the results on prostate CT performed one month later. RESULTS: It was necessary to describe transrectal ultrasonic image such as preplanning. There were several cases in which the source arrangement of the schedule was corrected immediately before the operation. In the examination after one month, the numerical value at the start of treatment initially was not satisfactory, but we eventually obtained a result that could to be evaluated. CONCLUSION: We carried out permanent implant brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer using I-125 seeds and reported our experience.     

Intraoperative adaptive brachytherapy of iodine-125 prostate implants guided by C-arm cone-beam computed tomography-based dosimetry

PURPOSE: (1) To demonstrate the feasibility of C-arm cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based postplanning and subsequent adaptation of underdosed critical areas by adding remedial seeds during the transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided implantation of (125)I seeds and (2) to assess the duration of this procedure. METHODS AND MATERIALS: After finishing the implant, three fiducial markers were implanted and a TRUS study was performed to delineate the prostate. A C-arm CBCT unit with isocentric design was used to generate a CT data set to localize the seeds. The TRUS and CBCT data sets were coregistered by the radiation oncologist to assess the dosimetry of the implant. If underdosages existed at critical areas, dosimetry was adapted by adding remedial seeds while the patient was still under anesthesia. RESULTS: Of 20 patients studied, 9 demonstrated underdosage in critical areas. On average four additional seeds were implanted, resulting in a mean D(90) of 100.7% (increase 4.9%) and 117.5% (increase 17.8%) of the prescribed dose of 145 and 110 Gy, respectively. The average additional time involved in performing the adaptation procedure was less than 30 min. CONCLUSIONS: C-arm CBCT-guided intraoperative postplanning during TRUS-guided brachytherapy for prostate cancer is both feasible and time efficient. The adaptation resulted in improved dosimetry of the prostate implants.     

The impact of perineural invasion on biochemical outcome after permanent prostate iodine-125 brachytherapy

PurposePerineural invasion (PNI) in prostate biopsies is associated with increased risk of higher Gleason score and worse pathologic stage. We report the influence of PNI in biochemical no evidence of disease (bNED) survival after ¹²⁵I prostate brachytherapy (BT).Methods and MaterialsPathology reports of 700 men with localized prostate cancer who underwent ¹²⁵I prostate BT in 1999–2008 were reviewed. The presence or absence of PNI in the biopsy was documented in 339 men. Clinical, treatment, and dosimetric parameters, along with PNI status, were evaluated for bNED survival, defined by “nadir + 2” definition.ResultsOf the 339 patients, 87% had favorable risk and 13% intermediate risk. PNI was present in 89 patients (26%). After a median followup of 32 months, there were five biochemical failures (4: +PNI and 1: ?PNI), of which one was local failure (+PNI). Actuarial 5-year bNED survival for the entire group was 97.0% (92.9% for +PNI; 99.2% for ?PNI). In univariate analysis age, pretreatment prostate-specific antigen, Gleason score 7, and intermediate risk group predicted for worse biochemical outcome, whereas the presence of PNI showed a trend toward significance (p = 0.06). Some of the regression algorithms failed to converge because of low event rates.ConclusionsWe report excellent biochemical control in 339 men treated with ¹²⁵I prostate BT. The presence of PNI showed a trend toward significance in predicting 5-year bNED survival but did not impact on local control and should not influence the decision to recommend BT for localized prostate cancer.     

Dosimetric consideration of individual 125I source strength measurement and a large-scale comparison of that measured with a nominal value in permanent prostate implant brachytherapy

Purpose We investigated the difference between measured and manufacturer's nominal source strength in a large sample of a single model of ¹²⁵I seeds. Physical characteristics of single seed measurement by the well-type ionization chamber were also investigated to provide dosimetric data. Materials and methods A well-type ionization chamber with a single seed holder was used to measure source strength of all 1935 ¹²⁵I seeds implanted in the initial 28 patients in our hospital. Physical characteristics including linearity of readings for different integral time intervals, reproducibility, isotropy, and axial positional sensitivity were assessed. To calculate the source strength, the integral charge during 30 s was measured and converted to air kerma strength. The nominal activity stated by the manufacturer was compared with the measured value. Results Linearity, reproducibility, and isotropy of the well-type ionization chamber were within 0.2%. Measured source strength was on average 2.1% (range −7.6% to +7.2%), lower than the nominal value. Standard deviation of all measured seeds was 2.0%. The maximum difference between the measured and the manufacturer's nominal source strength in each patient was −3.7%. The standard deviation averaged 1.6%. Conclusion The nominal source strength of the ¹²⁵I seeds agreed well with the measured value. Our study can be helpful as guidance for individual ¹²⁵I seed source strength measurement.