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Published on: February 6, 2019
Planning and implementing an implanted fiducial programme for prostate cancer radiation therapy
1Department of Radiation Therapy Services, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. ann.thompson@petermac.org
Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology
|September 25, 2008
Summary
Gold seeds are now standard for prostate radiation therapy verification. This study reports on the successful implementation and initial patient experience at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Physics
- Radiation Therapy
Background:
- Prostate cancer radiation therapy requires precise tumor targeting.
- Implanted gold seeds are increasingly used as fiducial markers for accurate positioning.
- Previous verification methods relied on bony anatomy matching.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement gold seed fiducial markers for routine prostate cancer radiation therapy.
- To establish a standardized clinical practice for radical dose treatments (74-78 Gy).
- To report on the initial patient experience with this new procedure.
Main Methods:
- A multidisciplinary team planned and implemented the gold seed implantation process.
- Considerations included seed characteristics, implant equipment, and imaging protocols.
- A custom fiducial pack, patient information, and daily on-line imaging were utilized.
Main Results:
- The new practice was successfully implemented across multiple Peter Mac sites.
- The process involved detailed planning regarding seed placement and imaging.
- Experience from the first 28 patients (January-May 2007) is documented.
Conclusions:
- The implementation of gold seed fiducials enhances prostate position verification in radiation therapy.
- This approach is becoming a standard for radical dose treatments.
- The reported experience provides a foundation for wider adoption.
