3DUS Imaging of Needles in Gynecological Brachytherapy

A Multi-Modality Comparison of Needle Placement During Gynecological Brachytherapy Procedures

Brachytherapy treatment in gynecological cancers is an essential component to delivering adequate doses of radiation to a tumour while sparing normal tissue. Interstitial or intra-cavitary brachytherapy are often needed in advanced or recurrent disease, in cases where intrauterine brachytherapy may not deliver the optimal outcome. Interstitial or intra-cavitary brachytherapy are based on a defined template-and-needle system, and the procedure relies on clinical examination and pre-treatment imaging to guide needle insertion. There is currently no standard image-guided process to help direct needles in the pelvis. We propose using 3D ultrasound to provide real-time imaging for the brachytherapy procedure, which will aid in avoiding needle insertion into pelvic organs and result in optimal dose coverage to the tumour.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Females of age eighteen (18) or greater.
• Patients with locally advanced or recurrent gynecological malignancies who are offered interstitial or ring and tandem brachytherapy treatment. These typically would include patients with primary or recurrent vaginal cancers, endometrial cancers or cervical cancers. Histologies of these cancers are typically adenocarcinomas or squamous cell carcinomas

Exclusion Criteria:

• Above patients who are not offered interstitial brachytherapy as a treatment modality