[Intracavitary afterloading therapy as a new technique of boost irradiation in anal canal carcinoma].
OBJECTIVE
There are different techniques of boost irradiation in the treatment of patients with anal carcinoma. A new system of applicators is presented, which can be used for an intracavitary afterloading therapy.


METHODS
Three different applicators are available, the first with a central catheter (K1), a second with 5 semicircular fixed catheters (K2) and an eccentric shield, a third with 8 circular fixed catheters and a central shield (K3).


RESULTS
The adequate choice of applicator and catheters takes into consideration the individual localisation and extension of anal carcinoma in planning therapy. Thus, in circular growing tumors, an irradiation of the whole circumference of the anal canal is possible. In non-circular growing tumors, the dose applied in the non-affected part of the anal canal can be reduced to a quarter of the dose applied at the tumor.


CONCLUSIONS
The new system of intracavitary afterloading therapy is a good alternative to previous techniques of boost irradiation in the treatment of anal carcinoma. By means of this technique, irradiation can be highly individualized, the tumor better included and non-affected sections of the anal canal saved.
Kölbl
O
O
Klinik und Poliklinik für Strahlentherapie, Universität Würzburg.
Bratengeier
K
K
Richter
S
S
Henkel
R
R
Schmidt
R
R
Flentje
M
M
D001005:Anus Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002404:Catheterization; D006801:Humans; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage