The use of magnetic resonance imaging for image-guided brachytherapy.
Progress has been made in the delivery of brachytherapy, from low-dose rate (LDR) to high-dose rate (HDR) treatments, allowing for dose optimisation, conformal treatments, improved radiation protection, and improved accuracy and efficiency. Image-guided brachytherapy, incorporating spatial and temporal changes, is now possible with advanced imaging and treatment technology. This report reviews the evidence for the benefits of image-guided brachytherapy using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mainly for cervix and prostate cancer, but also possibilities for other tumour sites. It also emphasises the need for a dedicated MRI unit for brachytherapy.
Division of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia. maroiebarkati@yahoo.ca
M
M
Barkati
S
S
Van Dyk
F
F
Foroudi
K
K
Narayan
D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D011881:Radiotherapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*