title: The impact of maximum rectal distention and tandem angle on rectal dose delivered in 3D planned gynecologic high dose-rate brachytherapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Computed tomography-based treatment planning for cervical cancer has allowed investigation into the volumetric radiation dose delivered to the rectum. The goal of intracavitary brachytherapy is to maximize the tumor dose while decreasing the dose to normal tissue like the rectum. We investigated the effects of tandem angle and maximum rectal distention on rectal dose delivered in HDR brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between July 2007 and January 2010, 97 brachytherapy treatment planning computed tomographic scans from the first and last implant of 51 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer were reviewed. The rectum was manually contoured from the ischial tuberosity to the bottom of the sacroiliac joint. The maximum rectal distention was determined by measuring the largest anterior-posterior diameter of the rectum superior to the tandem ring and inferior to the end of the applicator. A volumetric measurement of the maximum and mean rectal dose, dose to 2 cc (D2cc), dose to 1cc (D1cc) of the rectum was calculated. The tandem angle and the Internal Commission on Radiation Units and Measurement rectal point were recorded, and a dose volume histogram was referenced.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean maximum rectal distention was 3.01 cm. The mean D1cc, D2cc, mean rectal dose, maximum rectal dose, and Internal Commission on Radiation Units and Measurement rectal dose were 3.03 Gy, 2.78 Gy, 4.19 cGy, 1.40 cGy, and 2.99 Gy per treatment, respectively. In a multivariate analysis controlling for surface area, tandem angle, and body mass index, there was a significant increase in D2cc with increasing rectal distention (P = 0.016). There were no significant findings when observing the effects of tandem angle on D2cc.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Rectal distention significantly affects D2cc delivered in HDR brachytherapy. In contrast, tandem angle does not. Concerted efforts to decrease rectal distention should be considered during treatment planning and delivery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Services, Division of Biostatics, UC Davis Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Jihoon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: Blythe
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Durbin-Johnson
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Valicenti
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mathai
authors.forename: Robin L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Stern
authors.forename: Jyoti
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mayadev
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001918:Brachytherapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; D012007:Rectum / Q000473:pathology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*