Dosimetric Comparison of Heterogeniety Versus Nonheterogeneity Corrected Dose Calculations in Vaginal Brachytherapy: The Impact of Air Gaps

Abstract

The presence of air gaps between an HDR vaginal cylinder and the vaginal wall is potentially problematic as it may push the vaginal lymphatics outside the prescribed isodose line. This prospective study compares the volume of air gaps observed for two different diameter cylinders (2 cm and optimal) inserted in the same patient and evaluates the dosimetric impact on the target volume (vaginal lymphatics) and the surrounding normal tissues using both heterogeneity and non-heterogeneity corrected calculation algorithms.