Interstitial brachytherapy of malignant brain tumors using computed tomography-guided stereotaxis and available...

The implantation of radioactive sources into malignant intraaxial brain tumors, interstitial brachytherapy, is a theoretically attractive treatment for these nearly uniformly fatal lesions. Optimal application of this treatment modality requires careful preoperative planning, computer-assisted dosimetry, and computed tomography-guided stereotactic implantation of the isotope-bearing catheters. A method is presented by which available computed tomographic imaging software can be used with a standard radiotherapy treatment planning computer and the Brown-Roberts-Wells stereotactic system for preoperative imaging, dosimetry planning, and brachytherapy catheter insertion. Dedicated computer facilities are not required, making this method available to any neurosurgeon with access to a current generation computed tomographic scanner.