Review of strategies for MRI based reconstruction of endocavitary and interstitial applicators in brachytherapy of cervical cancer

Publication date: Available online 23 July 2018Source: Reports of Practical Oncology & RadiotherapyAuthor(s): José Richart, Vicente Carmona-Meseguer, Teresa García-Martínez, Antonio Herreros, Antonio Otal, Santiago Pellejero, Ana Tornero-López, José Pérez-CalatayudAbstractBrachytherapy plays an essential role in the curative intent management of locally advanced cervical cancer. The introduction of the magnetic resonance (MR) as a preferred image modality and the development of new type of applicators with interstitial components have further improved its benefits.The aim of this work is to review the current status of one important aspect in the cervix cancer brachytherapy procedure, namely catheter reconstruction.MR compatible intracavitary and interstitial applicators are described. Considerations about the use of MR imaging (MRI) regarding appropriate strategies for applicator reconstruction, technical requirements, MR sequences, patient preparation and applicator commissioning are included.It is recommendable to perform the reconstruction process in the same image study employed by the physician for contouring, that is, T2 weighted (T2W) sequences. Nevertheless, a clear identification of the source path inside the catheters and the applicators is a challenge when using exclusively T2W sequences. For the intracavitary component of the implant, sometimes the catheters may be filled with some substance that produces a high intensity signal on MRI. However, this strate...
Source: Reports of Practical Oncology and Radiotherapy - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research