Background: Optimal applicator insertion is a precondition for the success of cervix cancer brachytherapy (BT). We aimed to assess feasibility and efficacy of MRI-assisted pre-planning, based on applicator insertion in para-cervical anaesthesia (PCA).
Patients and methods: Five days prior to BT, the pre-planning procedure was performed in 18 cervix cancer patients: tandem-ring applicator was inserted under PCA, pelvic MRI obtained and applicator removed. Procedure tolerability was assessed. High risk clinical target volume (HR CTV) and organs at risk were delineated on the pre-planning MRI, virtual needles placed at optimal positions, and dose planning performed. At BT, insertion was carried out in subarachnoidal anaesthesia according to pre-planned geometry. Pre-planned and actual treatment parameters were compared.
Results: Pre-planning procedure was well tolerated. Median difference between the pre-planned and actual needle insertion depth and position were 2 (0-10) mm and 4 (0-30) degrees, respectively. The differences between the pre-planned and actual geometric and dosimetric parameters were statistically non-significant. All actual needles were positioned inside the HR CTV and outside the organs at risk (OAR).
Conclusions: Our pre-planning approach is well tolerated and effective. Pre-planned geometry and dose distribution can be reproduced at BT.
Keywords: MRI; cervix cancer; image-guided brachytherapy; pre-planning.