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Prostate displacement kit: reducing the radiation dose to the rectum
Karl Mikael Kälkner1, Josef Nilsson, Marie Lundell
1Department of Oncology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. karl.kalkner@karolinska.se
Summary
A prostate-water-rectal-displacement-kit increased prostate-rectum distance during brachytherapy boost. However, prostate immobilization by needles was incomplete, requiring careful online dosimetry for accurate treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- High dose-rate brachytherapy boost is a radiotherapy technique for prostate cancer.
- Accurate dose delivery is crucial to minimize rectal toxicity.
- Prostate immobilization is essential for precise radiation targeting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a prostate-water-rectal-displacement-kit in improving prostate-rectum separation during brachytherapy.
- To assess the degree of prostate immobilization achieved with the device.
- To determine the implications for dosimetry and treatment planning.
Main Methods:
- A prostate-water-rectal-displacement-kit was used in 20 patients undergoing high dose-rate brachytherapy boost.
- The distance between the prostate and rectum was measured.
- Prostate immobilization by needles was assessed qualitatively.
Main Results:
- The device successfully increased the distance between the prostate and the rectum.
- Complete immobilization of the prostate by needles was not achieved.
- This suggests potential for interfraction motion during treatment.
Conclusions:
- The prostate-water-rectal-displacement-kit can enhance prostate-rectum separation in brachytherapy.
- Careful online dose-planning dosimetry is necessary due to incomplete prostate immobilization.
- Further research may be needed to optimize immobilization techniques.
