Theoretical and experimental investigations of a newly developed intracavitary applicator system for the radiothermotherapy of gynaecological tumours.
This paper describes a new type of applicator system for the intracavitary radiothermotherapy of gynaecological tumours. Hyperthermia and radiation can be delivered by one and the same applicator. The hyperthermia is delivered by a modified capacitive heating technique (27.12 MHz) combined with cooling systems, the radiation by the numerically controlled oscillation of a gamma source on the inside of the main applicator, the RF gamma applicator (HDR afterloading technique). Isotherms and isodoses can be adapted to the anatomical-pathological situation. Interactions between the applicator system and the surrounding tissue were investigated in a theoretical model (FEM). Complex two-dimensional SAR calculations as well as three-dimensional temperature calculations were carried out. The RF gamma applicator was also examined by thermography; the thermography proved the theoretical modelling to be correct. The applicators were also tested in animal experiments.
Zimmermann
M
M
Research Institute M. v. Ardenne, Dresden, Germany.
Schorcht
J
J
Andree
W
W
D000818:Animals; D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D001703:Biophysics; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005720:Gamma Rays; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008954:Models, Biological; D008961:Models, Structural; D013552:Swine; D013556:Swine, Miniature; D013817:Thermography; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000628:therapy*