Fractionated high-dose rate brachytherapy for intracranial gliomas.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a catheter system for fractionated high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy for intracranial gliomas.


METHODS
The catheter system for stereotactic placement as well as delivery of the high-dose rate iridium-192 source wire is described. The force of the impulse wave from the source wire entering brain equivalent material was measured. Dose volume histograms for the first 5 patients treated are presented.


RESULTS
The catheter system was found to be satisfactory. The maximum force of the impulse wave was less than 1 acceleration of gravity (which is safe). The patients tolerated the treatment well with no significant problems related to the catheters being left in situ for up to 14 days.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on this pilot experience a phase I dose escalating and morbidity study has been initiated.
Woo
S
S
Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030.
Butler
E B
EB
Grant
W
W
Berner
B
B
Gildenberg
P
P
D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005910:Glioma / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D007496:Iridium Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage
D007496:Iridium Radioisotopes