Optimizing the planning process in computed tomography-based image-guided adaptive brachytherapy for cervical cancer...

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiation Oncology
• Oncology

Background:

• Cervical cancer brachytherapy requires precise treatment planning.
• Current planning methods can be time-consuming, impacting workflow efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an optimized system for reducing cervical cancer brachytherapy treatment planning time.
• To streamline dosimetric evaluation by integrating external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy doses.

Main Methods:

• Development of an in-house Excel spreadsheet for streamlined dosimetric evaluation.
• Integration of contouring and catheter reconstruction using multiple treatment planning systems.
• Validation of the system in 46 patients undergoing various brachytherapy techniques.

Main Results:

• Median treatment planning time reduced to 36 minutes (range: 12-72 minutes).
• The system successfully integrated dose calculations and displayed daily dose constraints.
• Demonstrated feasibility for complex intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy cases.

Conclusions:

• The developed system significantly decreases brachytherapy planning time.
• Optimized planning enhances efficiency while adhering to dose constraints.
• This approach holds potential for improving brachytherapy workflow and patient care.