An optimization method for reference dose point of rectum in brachytherapy of gynecological neoplasms.
Rectum reference dose points have a direct impact on the morbidity seen in gynecological intracavitaty radiotherapy. The aim of this study is to obtain less morbidity by marking rectum with radio opaque solution. Fourteen patients with gynecological cancer who underwent external radiotherapy received 15 Gray (Gy) intracavitary radiotherapy. During the internal radiotherapy planning, radio opaque solution has been administered into the rectum to observe it on lateral radiogram. Thus rectum reference dose point and five points were marked at sites nearest to the sources. Nucletron Planning system was used for obtaining three-dimensional planning. After therapy patients were followed at every three months. Median follow-up was 18 months. Most frequently observed morbidities were grade 1-2 rectitis and cystitis in six patients. As a result, more accurate rectum dose values and less factors causing dose changing can provide better results for gynecological intracavitary brachytherapy.
Department of Radiation Oncology, Gülhane Military Medicine Academy, Ankara, Turkey. meting60@hotmail.com
Metin
M
Güden
Cuneyt
C
Ulutin
Murat
M
Dede
Saffet
S
Dilek
Yücel
Y
Pak
D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010166:Palliative Care; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; D012007:Rectum / Q000528:radiation effects*; D012015:Reference Standards; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012494:Sampling Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome