Abstract
PurposeTo point out the advantages and drawbacks of high-dose rate brachytherapy in the treatment of mobile tongue cancer and indicate the clinical importance of modular lead-lined spacers when applying this technique to patients.MethodsFirst, all basic steps to construct the modular spacer are shown. Second, we simulate and evaluate the dose rate reduction for a wide range of spacer configurations.ResultsWith increasing distance to the source absorbed doses dropped considerably. Significantly more shielding was obtained when lead was added to the spacer and this effect was most pronounced on shorter (i.e. more clinically relevant) distances to the source.ConclusionsThe modular spacer represents an important addition to the planning and treatment stages of mobile tongue cancer using HDR-ISBT.
Highlights
According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) there is a marked rise in the incidence rates for oral cancers in various countries and regions [1] and it has been projected that in the US alone between 2010 and 2020 yearly about 3.6 to 4.4 billion dollar will be spentPLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0154226 April 29, 2016Modular Spacer for High-Dose Rate (HDR)-interstitial brachytherapy (ISBT) in Tongue Cancer on the treatment of head and neck cancer [2]
The modular spacer represents an important addition to the planning and treatment stages of mobile tongue cancer using HDR-ISBT
Within ISBT a division can be made between Low-Dose Rate (LDR) and High-Dose Rate (HDR) treatments
Summary
Modular Spacer for HDR-ISBT in Tongue Cancer on the treatment of head and neck cancer [2]. Within the head and neck regions, carcinoma of the tongue is one of the most common types of oral cancer [3]. When treating this particular type of cancer interstitial brachytherapy (ISBT) is an important treatment option as it may greatly preserve tongue function and mobility (compared to other treatment options). Within ISBT a division can be made between Low-Dose Rate (LDR) and High-Dose Rate (HDR) treatments. It has been estimated that the global market for brachytherapy has reached a value of about US$ 680 million in 2013, for which both LDR- and HDR-ISBT segments accounted for about 70% [4]
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