MRT-guided brachytherapy planning

MRT-guided brachytherapy planning

Brachytherapy is conducted using advanced approaches at National Center of Surgery

Chemotherapy, radiation, and brachytherapy treatment is a world standard in the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer.

Development of medical technologies in the treatment and diagnostics of oncology diseases has progressed significantly in the last millenniums. Magnetic-resonance imaging remains the most sophisticated method for the assessment of local advances of lesser pelvic organs including gynecologic cancer. That’s why external radiation therapy and brachytherapy planning system’s integration with these studies enables us to conduct sophisticated and accurate treatment.

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A great number of clinics in the world, where cervical cancer brachytherapy has been conducted for years, use computed tomography for treatment planning.  On one hand, this is a big step since it’s possible to define the volume of the target and surrounding risk-organs, as well as dose distribution with the 3-D planning system, albeit it’s impossible to fully determine residual cancer, degree and spread of damage to parametrium, a cancerous process in vagina and uterus.

In our department, the essential condition upon the selection of a brachytherapy planning system and applicators is MRT-guided planning and purchase, daily usage of applicators appropriate for it. This sophisticated technological advantage enables us to reduce volume (high-risk clinical target volume HR-CTV 44,1 cm3 vs 35.1 cm3) of irradiation by 20% and, hence, protect all surrounding healthy organs from unwanted toxicity.

Treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer has evolved significantly in the last 20 years. Advanced radiation technologies, sophisticated brachytherapy applicators, and brachytherapy delivery adapted to magnetic-resonance tomography significantly reduced side-effects for risk-organs (bladder and rectum) and enhanced local control of the disease.

Quality and informative feature of computed tomography imaging declines in patients who have cancer 5 cm in size, the disease that is advanced into parametrium and high body mass index. Taking this into consideration, „ASTRO“ and, "GEC-ESTRO“ recommends MRT-guided planning.

In the Department of Radiotherapy of National Center of Surgery, brachytherapy treatment is conducted according to the mentioned recommendation and remains the best method in case of locally advanced cervical cancer.

Wish you health!


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