Virtual reality-guided simulation of brachytherapy: Two case reports

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Medical Imaging
• Virtual Reality

Background:

• Brachytherapy demands precise applicator placement, often challenging in complex anatomical regions with standard imaging.
• Virtual reality (VR) offers potential for enhanced pre-procedural simulation and planning.

Observation:

• Two challenging brachytherapy cases utilized VR pre-simulation for planning: a recurrent iliac region tumor invading the sacrum and a floor of the mouth cancer.
• VR facilitated multi-disciplinary communication and optimized needle placement in the iliac case.
• VR enabled precise needle insertion and procedural consistency for the head and neck case, even for unfamiliar practitioners.

Findings:

• VR pre-simulation significantly improved anatomical understanding and procedural planning in complex brachytherapy cases.
• The technology enhanced multi-disciplinary coordination and optimized applicator/needle placement.
• VR integration led to safer and more accurate brachytherapy procedures.

Implications:

• Virtual reality is a valuable tool for enhancing brachytherapy planning and execution in challenging anatomical sites.
• Integrating VR into brachytherapy workflows can improve overall treatment precision and patient safety.
• VR-assisted planning holds promise for advancing oncological treatments across diverse anatomical regions.