Iridium-Knife: Another knife in radiation oncology

摘要: Abstract Purpose Intratarget dose escalation with superior conformity is a defining feature of three-dimensional (3D) iridium-192 ( 192 Ir) high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BRT). In this study, we analyzed the dosimetric characteristics interstitial Ir HDR BRT for intrathoracic and cerebral malignancies. We examined gradient sharpness compared that linear accelerator–based stereotactic radiosurgery body radiation therapy, usually called X-Knife, to demonstrate it may as well be Knife. Methods Materials Treatment plans 10 patients recurrent glioblastoma multiforme or malignancies, five each entity, treated X-Knife (stereotactic therapy malignancies) were replanned simulated BRT. For 3D planning, used identical structure sets prescription planning. The indices qualitative treatment plan analysis encompassed planning target volume coverage, conformity, falloff gradient, maximum dose–volume limits different organs at risk. Results Volume coverage in was comparable calculated no statistically significant difference terms conformity. gradient—sharpness—of considerably steeper plans. Conclusions Both are effective means intratarget achieving least equal margin. sense, can reasonably argued deserves also Knife, namely Iridium-Knife.