CONFORMAL BRACHYTHERAPY PLANNING FOR CERVICAL CANCER USING TRANSABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine if transabdominal ultrasound (US) can be used for conformal brachytherapy in cervical cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-one patients with locoregionally advanced cervix cancer treated with chemoradiation and brachytherapy were included in this study. The protocol consisted of US-assisted tandem insertion and conformal US-based planning. Orthogonal films for applicator reconstruction were also taken. A standard plan was modified to suit the US-based volume and treatment was delivered. The patient then underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan with the applicators in situ. Retrospectively, individual standard (STD), US, and MRI plans were extrapolate..