Elsevier, Brachytherapy, 4(15), p. 426-434
DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2016.03.011
Full text: Unavailable
Purpose To evaluate introduction of MRI-based high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDRBT), including procedure times, dose-volume parameters, and perioperative morbidity. Methods and Materials Study included 42 high-risk prostate cancer patients enrolled in a clinical protocol, offering external beam radiotherapy + two HDRBT 8.5 Gy boosts. Time was recorded for initiation of anesthesia (A), fixation of needle implant (B), end of MR imaging (C), plan approval (D), and end of HDRBT delivery (E). We defined time A–E as total procedure time, A–B as operating room time, B–C as MRI procedure time, C–D as treatment planning time, and D to E as treatment delivery time. Dose-volume parameters were retrieved from the dose planning system. Results from the first 21 patients were compared with the last 21 patients. Results Total procedure time, operating room time, MRI procedure time, and treatment planning time decreased significantly from average 7.6 to 5.3 hours (p