Dosimetric evaluation of image based brachytherapy using tandem ovoid and tandem ring applicators

The aim of the study is to evaluate the differences in dosimetry between tandem-ovoid and tandem-ring gynaecologic brachytherapy applicators in image based brachytherapy.

Traditionally, tandem ovoid applicators were used to deliver dose to tumor in intracavitary brachytherapy. Tandem-ring, tandem-cylinder and hybrid intracavitary, interstitial applicators are also used nowadays in cervical cancer brachytherapy.

100 CT datasets of cervical cancer patients (stage IB2 - IIIB) receiving HDR application (50 tandem-ovoid and 50 tandem-ring) were studied. Brachytherapy was delivered using a CT-MRI compatible tandem-ovoid (50 patients) and a tandem-ring applicator (50 patients). DVHs were calculated and D2cc was recorded for the bladder and rectum and compared with the corresponding ICRU point doses. The point B dose, the treated volume, high dose volume and the treatment time were recorded and compared for the two applicators.

The mean D2cc of the bladder with TR applicator was 6.746 Gy. TO applicator delivered a mean D2cc of 7.160 Gy to the bladder. The mean ICRU bladder points were 5.60 and 5.63 Gy for TR and TO applicator, respectively. The mean D2cc of the rectum was 4.04 Gy and 4.79 Gy for TR and TO applicators, respectively. The corresponding ICRU point doses were 5.10 Gy and 5.66 Gy, respectively.

The results indicate that the OAR doses assessed by DVH criteria were higher than ICRU point doses for the bladder with both tandem-ovoid and tandem-ring applicators whereas DVH based dose was lower than ICRU dose for the rectum. The point B dose, the treated volume and high dose volume was found to be slightly higher with the tandem-ovoid applicator. The mean D2cc dose for the bladder and rectum was lower with tandem-ring applicators. The clinical implication of the above dosimetric differences needs to be evaluated further.