Clinical implementation of a digital tomosynthesis-based seed reconstruction algorithm for intraoperative postimplant dose evaluation in low dose rate prostate brachytherapy.
OBJECTIVE
The low dose rate brachytherapy procedure would benefit from an intraoperative postimplant dosimetry verification technique to identify possible suboptimal dose coverage and suggest a potential reimplantation. The main objective of this project is to develop an efficient, operator-free, intraoperative seed detection technique using the imaging modalities available in a low dose rate brachytherapy treatment room.


METHODS
This intraoperative detection allows a complete dosimetry calculation that can be performed right after an I-125 prostate seed implantation, while the patient is still under anesthesia. To accomplish this, a digital tomosynthesis-based algorithm was developed. This automatic filtered reconstruction of the 3D volume requires seven projections acquired over a total angle of 60 degrees with an isocentric imaging system.


RESULTS
A phantom study was performed to validate the technique that was used in a retrospective clinical study involving 23 patients. In the patient study, the automatic tomosynthesis-based reconstruction yielded seed detection rates of 96.7% and 2.6% false positives. The seed localization error obtained with a phantom study is 0.4 +/- 0.4 mm. The average time needed for reconstruction is below 1 min. The reconstruction algorithm also provides the seed orientation with an uncertainty of 10 degrees +/- 8 degrees. The seed detection algorithm presented here is reliable and was efficiently used in the clinic.


CONCLUSIONS
When combined with an appropriate coregistration technique to identify the organs in the seed coordinate system, this algorithm will offer new possibilities for a next generation of clinical brachytherapy systems.
Brunet-Benkhoucha
Malik
M
Medical Physics Unit, McGill University, Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montréal, Québec H3G 1A4, Canada.
Verhaegen
Frank
F
Lassalle
Stéphanie
S
Béliveau-Nadeau
Dominic
D
Reniers
Brigitte
B
Donath
David
D
Taussky
Daniel
D
Carrier
Jean-François
JF
D000465:Algorithms; D001331:Automation; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative / Q000379:methods*; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014054:Tomography / Q000379:methods; D035501:Uncertainty
D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes