Radioactive Seeds Research Articles

Efficacy and Safety of 125I Seed Brachytherapy Combined with Gemcitabine Containing Chemotherapy for Unresectable Pancreatic Neoplasm—A Meta-Analysis

These instructions provide you guidelines for preparing papers for Journal of Innovation and Social Science Research. Use this document as a template and as an instruction set. PURPOSE: The goal of this meta-analysis was to look at the efficacy and safety of radioactive seeds brachytherapy using Iodine-125 for unresectable advanced pancreatic neoplasm. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In pancreatic neoplasm, trials comparing 125I brachytherapy with Gemcitabine chemotherapy have been identified. The pooled odds ratios for overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and complications, as well as the pooled hazard ratios for progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival, were calculated using meta-analysis (OS). RESULTS: A total of 12 studies with a total of 863 cases were included. There were significant differences in ORR (OR=3.13, 95% CI 2.24-4.38) and DCR (OR=3.67, 95% CI 2.63-5.12) between 125I brachytherapy combined with chemotherapy containing gemcitabine and chemotherapy alone, but no statistical differences in PFS (HR=0.63, 95% CI 0.30-1.32), OS (HR=0.72, 95 %CI 0.43-1.20), and adverse reactions (diarrhea: OR=0.75, 95%CI: 0.42-1.25; pernicious vomiting: OR=1.30, 95%CI: 0.82-2.06; leukopenia: OR=1.32, 95%CI: 0.88-1.98; thrombocytopenia: OR=1.05, 95%CI: 0.71-1.57; anemia: OR=1.18, 95%CI: 0.66-2.10; and hepatic impairment: OR=1.10. 95% CI: 0.63-1.92). CONCLUSION: 125I brachytherapy combined with the inclusion of gemcitabine chemotherapy enhance the clinical efficacy of patients with unresectable pancreatic neoplasm without increasing the incidence of adverse effects such as pancreatic fistula, pancreatitis, seed migration, and duodenitis compared with chemotherapy. However, there was no obvious effect on the survival of unresectable pancreatic neoplasm.

Practice Patterns of Preoperative Breast and Axillary Localizations

The goal of this survey was to study the current trends of preoperative breast and axillary needle localizations and to understand factors that affect these practice patterns. A 14-question survey was sent out to Society of Breast Imaging physicians on our institution's survey platform with a web link. Survey responses were summarized using percentages or means, and Pearson's chi square test and analysis of variance tests were used for association. The survey response rate was 401 of 2097 (19.1%). Of these responses, 124 of 401 (30.9%) were in academic practice, 222 of 401 (55.4%) in private practice with breast specialization, 24 of 401 (6.0%) in private practice without breast specialization, and 31 of 401 (7.7%) in other types of practices. The use of radioactive seeds was significantly correlated with the practice type, with academic practices more likely to use radioactive seeds. Practices with a higher number of radiologists reading mammography and a higher number of radiologists with breast fellowship training were more likely to use wireless localization devices. Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between the number of fellowship-trained breast radiologists in a practice, and modalities utilized for localizing breast lesions. This study demonstrates that localization methods for breast and axillary lesions vary across practice types. Academic practices are more likely to utilize wireless localization devices. These findings suggest that there may be barriers for smaller and less specialized practices in implementing the use of newer localization methods.

Animal study of a newly designed metal airway brachytherapy stent loaded with radioactive 125I seeds.

To evaluate dynamic tissue changes after airway stenting (AS) with a newly designed metal brachytherapy stent (BS) loaded with radioactive 125I seeds in normal rabbits. Forty-five normal New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 3 groups (groupA: stent without seeds; groupB: stent with 0.4mCi active seeds; groupC: stent with 0.8mCi active seeds) and underwent AS under C-arm guidance. Then, five rabbits were killed from each group at 2, 4, and 8weeks for further examination. Laboratory tests (including routine blood tests, liver function, kidney function, and electrolytes), gross observations, and tissue changes of Masson/hematoxylin-eosin staining, plus immunohistochemistry of α-SMA, NOX4, and TGF-β were performed at each time point. All animals underwent AS successfully without procedure-related death, but one animal died at 6weeks due to severe pulmonary infection in groupC. Apart from a transient increase in white blood cells (P < 0.05) and a gradual increase in ROS levels (P < 0.05), other blood test items showed no significant changes (P > 0.05). The brachytherapy injury score increased with irradiation dose accumulation (P < 0.05), but tissue hyperplasia at the stent end in groupC was less severe than that in groupsA and B (P < 0.05). Airway lateral fibrosis was observed in all groups by histopathologic analysis; however, fibrosis in groupC was more severe than that in groupsA and B (P < 0.05). The brachytherapy injury score increased with irradiation dose accumulation, while granulation tissue hyperplasia at the stent end was inhibited by 125I brachytherapy within 8weeks.

Computed tomography-guided iodine-125 radioactive seed implantation in small-cell lung cancer: A retrospective study.

To explore the efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided iodine-125 (125I) radioactive seed implantation for the treatment of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). A total of 12 SCLC patients were retrospectively enrolled. All patients underwent CT-guided 125I seed implantation therapy, and were followed up until death, the last visit time, or study end time. Primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints were local control rate (LCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. All patients were successfully implanted with 125I radioactive seeds. The ORR at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months after implantation was 83.3%, 63.6%, 50%, and 40%, respectively; the LCR at 1 and 2 years were 75% (6/8) and 60% (3/5), respectively; the median PFS and OS were 8 and 12 months, respectively; and the OS rate at 6, 12, and 24 months after implantation was 91.67%, 66.67%, and 41.67%, respectively. No surgery-related deaths occurred. During the follow-up period, mild complications were observed in patients, including worsening cough, hemoptysis, and pneumothorax. CT-guided 125I seed implantation therapy is a safe and effective supplementary treatment for SCLC patients, who cannot tolerate radiotherapy.

Control charts for evaluation of quality of low-dose-rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer.

PurposeVariations in dosimetric outcomes among patients treated with low-dose-rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer exist, even when implants are within dose constraints. Here, we used control charts to investigate reasons for intra-patient dosimetric variability.Material and methodsUnivariate and multivariate control charts for prostate V100 (percentage of prostate volume that received 100% of prescribed radiation dose), D90 (radiation dose to 90% of prostate volume), and RV100 (rectal wall volume that received 100% of prescribed radiation dose) were generated for 212 consecutive prostate cancer patients implanted with iodine-125 (125I) radioactive seeds at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Control limits were calculated based on the first fifty implants. Data points that were out of control were identified, and their pre-treatment and post-treatment dosimetric and clinical parameters were compared to data points that were in-control, using Student’s t-test.ResultsAll implants were clinically acceptable. Twelve data points exceeded multivariate control limits. Ten of those points fell below the lower control limit of V100 control chart. Average prostate edema in the 10 out-of-control patients on both multivariate and V100 charts was 8.3%, as compared to 0.4% for in-control patients (p < 0.04). Two patients were observed to be out-of-control on multivariate control chart, but not on V100 control chart, and were found to have a reduction in prostate volume of 19.1% and 20.1% at one month after seed implant, compared to prostate volumes of pre-implantation evaluations.ConclusionsControl charts helped in identifying cases with out-of-control variability in post-plan prostate dosimetry. Post-treatment prostatic edema and contraction are important factors predicting variability in patients treated with 125I permanent seed brachytherapy.

Ocular malignancies treated with iodine-125 low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy at a single high-volume institution: A retrospective review.

The aim of our study is to document our cases of choroidal melanoma treated with low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy and to correlate the dosimetry and radiobiology with clinical effects and oncologic outcomes. Data from 157 patients treated from 2014 to 2018 with LDR brachytherapy were used for this investigation. Treatments used a collaborative ocular melanoma study eye plaque and Iodine-125 radioactive seeds. The seeds activities were chosen to deliver 85 Gy to the tumor apex or to a prescription point (if the apex < 5 mm). The plaque sizes used were 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 mm including notched or deep notched. The plaques were modeled in Varian BrachyVision version 11.6 (Varian Medical Systems) with seed coordinates from the AAPM Task Group 129. The Task Group 43 from AAPM was used for brachytherapy dose planning. Dose data were extracted for the apex, prescription point, sclera, retina opposite to the implant, lens, macula, and optic disc. The radiobiological dosimetry were calculated using appropriate α/β ratios found in the literature and then correlated to clinical side effects. Average biologically effective dose for associated organs at risk were calculated in cases where toxicity occurred. These included: radiation cataract (70.66 Gy), disc atrophy (475.49 Gy), foveal atrophy (263.07 Gy), radiation papillopathy (373.45 Gy), radiation maculopathy (213.62 Gy), vitreous hemorrhage (1437.68 Gy), vascular occlusion (1080.93 Gy), nonproliferative retinopathy (1066.89 Gy), proliferative retinopathy (1590.71 Gy), exudative retinal detachment (1364.32 Gy), and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (2265.54 Gy). Average biologically effective dose was higher in patients who developed radiation induced long term side effects than in the whole patient population except for radiation maculopathy. In spite of the small patient population and short-term follow-up, it is of interest to correlate the radiation induced effects and create a guideline for the improvement of the treatment of patients treated with LDR brachytherapy.

Radioactive Seed Localization for Conservative Surgery of Nonpalpable Breast Cancer: Recommendations for Technology Implantation Program

The radioactive seed localization (RSL) is used in impalpable breast cancer conservative surgery to assist the surgeon in accurately locating and excising the lesion site. This study aims to present recommendations about the RSL program implementation in health institutions that perform breast cancer conservative surgery with intraoperative localization. An extensive literature review was performed. It comprehends: the committee responsible for implementation of the program actions; description of the necessary multidisciplinary team; the radiological safety committee role; the facility licensing; professionals training; material and instrumentation associated with the technique; and seed tracking system. 13 topics are presented. The Program Implementation Committee must be formed by leaders from each department. The committee assumes responsibility for evaluating the necessary processes and presenting the schedule for program implementation. Since the procedure is classified as a nuclear medicine procedure it requires licensing. The Professional Team Formation, Education, and Training is a priority and simulation exercises are necessary. The Materials and Instrumentation Associated with the Technique must be well-know by the team and they should practice using radiation detectors. The seed must be always tracked, from moment they are received to discard. An Inventory for Tracking Seeds is provided. The Radiological Safety Aspects such as the ALARA principle are presented. A full description for the Radiological Procedure for Placing the seeds, the surgical removal and the Specimen Handling in Pathology focusing on how to locate the seed and retrieve them. After removed, the seeds can be placed in storage to wait for full radioactive decay or be returned to the manufacturer. The procedure has the advantage to increase to 2 months the time between insertion of the seed and the surgical removal. Regular multidisciplinary team meetings during program development are important to create a realistic timeline, having briefing meetings after the first 1-5 RSL cases and having annual or biannual follow-up meetings to discuss any issues or incidents. Abstract Graphic ImageCreated by Macrovector, obtained in Freepik at https://br.freepik.com/fotos-vetores-gratis/oncologia.This graphical abstract shows everything that is necessary to implement the RSL technique and are discussed in this paper. This study present recommendations for RSL program implementation in hospitalsWas performed by an extensive descriptive and qualitative literature reviewTopics 1: Implementation Committee, Professional Team Training, InstrumentationTopics 2: Radiological Safety, Patient Consent, Radiological ProcessTopics 3: Surgical Procedure, Pathology, Seeds Disposal Completion.

Self-expandable metallic stent with 125I seed strand in malignant biliary obstruction: a self-made delivery system and novel implantation method.

BackgroundMalignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ) has a low immediate surgery rate (10–20%) and a poor post-resection survival rate. Although several clinical results have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of stent placement combined with radioactive seeds, the existing implantation methods are time consuming and prone to error. In this study, we introduced a self-made delivery system and novel implantation method for a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) with 125I seed strand and evaluated its feasibility and efficacy in MOJ patients.MethodsOur self-made delivery system was applied to 61 patients (39 males and 22 females, mean age 66.36±10.73 years) from October 2018 to June 2020 in our center with a novel implantation method. The preparation and manipulation processes were described in detail. Technical and clinical successes were recorded, and stent patency and overall survival (OS) were assessed. A P value of less than 0.05 indicated a significant difference.ResultsStents with 125I seed strands were successfully placed in all 61 participants with our novel implantation method. The clinical success rate was 96.7%, and no severe procedure-related complications were found except bile leakage through puncture in 1 participant. The median duration of primary stent patency was 120 (37, 233.5) days, and the median OS was 169 (41, 270) days.ConclusionsOur self-made delivery system with a novel SEMS implantation method with 125I seed strand was feasible and effective for MOJ patients and significantly simplified the current implantation approach.

Recent Advances in Brachytherapy Using Radioactive Nanoparticles: An Alternative to Seed-Based Brachytherapy

Interstitial brachytherapy (BT) is generally used for the treatment of well-confined solid tumors. One example of this is in the treatment of prostate tumors by permanent placement of radioactive seeds within the prostate gland, where low doses of radiation are delivered for several months. However, successful implementation of this technique is hampered due to several posttreatment adverse effects or symptoms and operational and logistical complications associated with it. Recently, with the advancements in nanotechnology, radioactive nanoparticles (radio-NPs) functionalized with tumor-specific biomolecules, injected intratumorally, have been reported as an alternative to seed-based BT. Successful treatment of solid tumors using radio-NPs has been reported in several preclinical studies, on both mice and canine models. In this article, we review the recent advancements in the synthesis and use of radio-NPs as a substitute to seed-based BT. Here, we discuss the limitations of current seed-based BT and advantages of radio-NPs for BT applications. Recent progress on the types of radio-NPs, their features, synthesis methods, and delivery techniques are discussed. The last part of the review focuses on the currently used dosimetry protocols and studies on the dosimetry of nanobrachytherapy applications using radio-NPs. The current challenges and future research directions on the role of radio-NPs in BT treatments are also discussed.

Radioactive Seed Strand Efficacy in Superior Vena Cava Stenting Due to Non-small-cell Lung Cancer Obstruction.

This study aims to determine the clinical effectiveness of a stent with radioactive seed strand (RSS) inserted in patients with superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction (SVCO) secondary to non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Between January 2013 and December 2019, 63 patients with SVCO related to NSCLC received stent implantation with (n = 30) or without (n = 33) RSS insertion at our center. The clinical efficacy, stent patency duration, and overall survival (OS) were compared between these two groups. Both groups achieved 100% clinical and technical success rates. There were no obstacles associated with the procedure performed for the patients. Two patients in the RSS group and 7 patients in the stent-alone group experienced stent re-stenosis. The rate of re-stenosis between the two groups was not significantly different (P = .099). Patients in the RSS group had significantly longer median patency than those in the stent-alone group (381 vs 309 days, P = .045). All patients died because of the development of tumors during the follow-up. Patients in the RSS group had a significantly longer median OS than those in the stent-alone group (229 vs 178 days, P = .026). During the follow-up, no patient in the RSS group suffered RSS migration or brachytherapy-related complications. For patients with SVCO secondary to NSCLC, a stent with RSS insertion is efficacious and safe, and it may improve stent patency and OS.

Iodine-125 Radioactive Seed Brachytherapy As a Treatment for Spine and Bone Metastases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Iodine-125 Radioactive Seed Brachytherapy As a Treatment for Spine and Bone Metastases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Use of an Introducer for Radioactive Seed Localization of Targets Beyond the Length of Available Preloaded Needles.

Use of an Introducer for Radioactive Seed Localization of Targets Beyond the Length of Available Preloaded NeedlesAsha A. Bhatt, MD1, Genevieve A. Woodard, MD, PhD1 and Christine U. Lee, MD, PhD1Audio Available | Share

Effects of I-125 seeds combined with anlotinib on tumor growth and bone metabolism in A549 tumor-bearing mice

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of tumor suppression and mechanism for different implantation modes of iodine-125 (I-125) seeds irradiation in a mice xenograft model, and its skeletal complications. Materials and methods A total of 24 mice carrying A549 lung tumor-derived xenografts were randomly assigned to four groups, including non-radioactive (sham) seeds implantation, I-125 seeds fractional implantation, I-125 seeds single implantation and I-125 seeds single implantation combined with anlotinib. Ki67 immunohistochemistry, TUNEL immunofluorescence and CD31 morphometric analysis were used to determine the proliferation index, rate of apoptotic cells and microvessel density, respectively. Additionally, the side effects on the skeletal system in mice treated with I-125 seeds implantation were evaluated by histomorphometric staining with tartrate-resistant acid phosphate (TRAP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression in femur, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) and procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) levels in serum were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The I-125 seeds single and fractionated implantation had similar therapeutic effects and complications when the total number of I-125 seeds was the same. A single implantation of I-125 seeds with or without anlotinib could analogously inhibit the tumor growth in xenografts mice, while the single implantation combined with anlotinib had more effective in tumor inhibition. The results of Ki67, TUNEL and CD31 staining confirmed an evident reduction in tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis, as well as an increase in apoptosis. A relatively integrated bone metabolism was indicated after I-125 seeds single implantation with or without anlotinib, and the results were similar in I-125 seeds fractional implantation, including a reduction in the number of TRAP-positive cells and an increase in ALP expression level. Additionally, the serum TRACP-5b activity was decreased and the serum PINP concentration was increased following I-125 seeds implantation. Conclusions Single and fractionated implantation pattern of I-125 radioactive seeds had similar therapeutic efficacy against tumor growth, while brachytherapy with I-125 seeds implantation may be an effective and safe treatment strategy for its potential protection against cancer treatment-induced bone loss.

Clinical Outcome of CT-Guided Stereotactic Ablative Brachytherapy for Unresectable Early Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective, Multicenter Study.

ObjectiveTo analyze the efficacy and safety of low dose rate stereotactic ablative brachytherapy (L-SABT) for treatment of unresectable early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsData of patients with early-stage NSCLC who received CT-guided L-SABT (radioactive I-125 seeds implantation) at eight different centers from December 2010 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment efficacy and complications were evaluated.ResultsA total of 99 patients were included in this study. Median follow-up duration was 46.3 months (6.1-119.3 months). The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year local control rates were 89.1%, 77.5%, and 75.7%, respectively. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival rates were 96.7%, 70.1%, and 54.4%, respectively. Treatment failure occurred in 38.4% of patients. Local/regional recurrence, distant metastasis, and recurrence combined with metastasis accounted for 15.1%, 12.1%, and 11.1%, respectively. Pneumothorax occurred in 47 patients (47.5%) with 19 cases (19.2%) needing closed drainage. The only radiation-related adverse reaction was two cases of grade 2 radiation pneumonia. KPS 80–100, T1, the lesion was located in the left lobe, GTV D90 ≥150 Gy and the distance between the lesion and chest wall was < 1 cm, were associated with better local control (all P < 0.05); on multivariate analysis KPS, GTV D90, and the distance between the lesion and chest wall were independent prognostic factors for local control (all P < 0.05). KPS 80–100, T1, GTV D90 ≥150 Gy, and the distance between the lesion and chest wall was < 1 cm were also associated with better survival (all P < 0.05); on multivariate analysis KPS, T stage, and GTV D90 were independent prognostic factors for survival (all P < 0.05). The incidence of pneumothorax in patients with lesions <1 cm and ≥1cm from the chest wall was 33.3% and 56.7%, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P = 0.026).ConclusionL-SABT showed acceptable efficacy in the treatment of unresectable early-stage NSCLC. But the incidence of pneumothorax is high. For patients with T1 stage and lesions <1 cm from the chest wall, it may have better efficacy. Prescription dose greater than 150 Gy may bring better results.

Recommendations for intraoperative mesh brachytherapy: Report of AAPM Task Group No. 222.

Mesh brachytherapy is a special type of a permanent brachytherapy implant: it uses low-energy radioactive seeds in an absorbable mesh that is sutured onto the tumor bed immediately after a surgical resection. This treatment offers low additional risk to the patient as the implant procedure is carried out as part of the tumor resection surgery. Mesh brachytherapy utilizes identification of the tumor bed through direct visual evaluation during surgery or medical imaging following surgery through radiographic imaging of radio-opaque markers within the sources located on the tumor bed. Thus, mesh brachytherapy is customizable for individual patients. Mesh brachytherapy is an intraoperative procedure involving mesh implantation and potentially real-time treatment planning while the patient is under general anesthesia. The procedure is multidisciplinary and requires the complex coordination of multiple medical specialties. The preimplant dosimetry calculation can be performed days beforehand or expediently in the operating room with the use of lookup tables. In this report, the guidelines of American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) are presented on the physics aspects of mesh brachytherapy. It describes the selection of radioactive sources, design and preparation of the mesh, preimplant treatment planning using a Task Group (TG) 43-based lookup table, and postimplant dosimetric evaluation using the TG-43 formalism or advanced algorithms. It introduces quality metrics for the mesh implant and presents an example of a risk analysis based on the AAPM TG-100 report. Recommendations include that the preimplant treatment plan be based upon the TG-43 dose calculation formalism with the point source approximation, and the postimplant dosimetric evaluation be performed by using either the TG-43 approach, or preferably the newer model-based algorithms (viz., TG-186 report) if available to account for effects of material heterogeneities. To comply with the written directive and regulations governing the medical use of radionuclides, this report recommends that the prescription and written directive be based upon the implanted source strength, not target-volume dose coverage. The dose delivered by mesh implants can vary and depends upon multiple factors, such as postsurgery recovery and distortions in the implant shape over time. For the sake of consistency necessary for outcome analysis, prescriptions based on the lookup table (with selection of the intended dose, depth, and treatment area) are recommended, but the use of more advanced techniques that can account for real situations, such as material heterogeneities, implant geometric perturbations, and changes in source orientations, is encouraged in the dosimetric evaluation. The clinical workflow, logistics, and precautions are also presented.

Image-guided Localization Techniques for Nonpalpable Breast Lesions: An Opportunity for Multidisciplinary Patient-centered Care.

Selection of a localization method for nonpalpable breast lesions offers an opportunity for institutions to seek multidisciplinary input to promote value-based, patient-centered care. The diverse range of nonpalpable breast and axillary pathologies identified through increased utilization of screening mammography often necessitates image-guided preoperative localization for accurate lesion identification and excision. Preoperative localization techniques for breast and axillary lesions have evolved to include both wire and nonwire methods, the latter of which include radioactive seeds, radar reflectors, magnetic seeds, and radiofrequency identification tag localizers. There are no statistically significant differences in surgical outcomes when comparing wire and nonwire localization devices. Factors to consider during selection and adoption of image-guided localization systems include physician preference and ease of use, workflow efficiency, and patient satisfaction.

18F]FDG-PET/CT in prone compared to supine position for optimal axillary staging and treatment in clinically node-positive breast cancer patients with neoadjuvant systemic therapy

PurposeAxillary staging before neoadjuvant systemic therapy in clinically node-positive breast cancer patients with tailored axillary treatment according to the Marking Axillary lymph nodes with radioactive iodine seeds (MARI)-protocol, a protocol developed at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, is performed with [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT). We aimed to assess the value of FDG-PET/CT in prone compared to standard supine position for axillary staging.MethodsWe selected patients with FDG-PET/CT in supine and prone position who underwent the MARI-protocol. One hour after administration of 3.5 MBq/kg, [18F]FDG-PET was performed with a low-dose prone position CT-thorax followed by a supine whole-body scan. Scans were separately reviewed by two nuclear medicine physicians and categorized by number of FDG-positive axillary lymph nodes (ALNs; cALN<4 or cALN≥4). Main outcome was axillary up- or downstaging.ResultsOf 153 patients included, 24 (16%) patients were up- or downstaged at evaluation of prone images: One observer upstaged 14 patients, downstaged 3 patients and reported a higher number of ALNs (3.6 vs. 3.2, p < 0.001), while staging (4 up- and 5 downstaged) and number of ALNs (2.8 vs. 2.8) did not differ for the other. Observers agreed on up- or downstaging in only 1 (1%) patient. Irrespective of supine or prone position scanning, observers agreed on axillary staging in 124 (81%) patients and disagreed in 5 (3%). Interobserver agreement was lower with prone assessments (86%, K = 0.67) than supine (92%, K = 0.80).ConclusionsAxillary staging with FDG-PET/CT in prone compared to supine position did not result in concordant up- or downstaging. Therefore, FDG-PET/CT in supine position only can be considered sufficient for axillary staging.

Review of Clinical and Technological Consideration for MRI-Guided Robotic Prostate Brachytherapy

Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy (LDR-BT) is a technique for treating localized prostate cancer by implanting radioactive seeds. In conventional practice, the delivery of seeds is performed using transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) imaging for implant guidance and checked using computed-tomography for post-implant dosimetry. In the case of TRUS, accuracy can be compromised due to sub-optimal imaging. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), however, is known to provide better soft-tissue contrast, therefore, increasing the ability to detect small lesions; for that reason, the integration of intraoperative MRI in BT workflows has been investigated over the last two decades. The fusion of preoperative MR-images during TRUS-brachytherapy is possible. However, the image registration process introduces a source of uncertainty. Manual, real-time intra-operative LDR-BT is challenging under MRI due to confined space and procedural workflows. This motivates the development of MRI-compatible robots for prostate BT, with potential advantages of improved source placement accuracy and final dosimetry. In this paper, the state-of-art of technological components in MRI compatible robots, especially for LDR-BT, has been presented. This systematic review helps us to position an ongoing Cooperative Brachytherapy project, developing a real-time MRI-guided robot for adaptive LDR-BT. The design approach includes integrating separate modules: imaging, dose planning, needles, and robot.

Introducing SentiMag in a rural setting: a 5-year experience.

The Sentimag device is a probe that contains a sensitive magnetometer which detects either an implantable magnetic marker (MagSeed) or an infectable superparamagnetic ironoxide nanoparticle tracer (MagTrace). MagSeed is used to localise impalpable breast lesions; MagTrace is used to identify sentinel lymph nodes. In Australasia, Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy, using radioactive colloid injection, is a mainstay of prognostication in breast surgery in patients with a clinically negative axilla. In addition, radioactive seeds or hookwires have been used to detect impalpable breast lesions. Gisborne Hospital has been using the SentiMag device since June 2016 to both identify sentinel lymph nodes (Magtrace) and impalpable tumours (Magseed). This study gives perspective over more than 5 years on how this new technology can benefit patients and clinicians in the rural setting. Patient data had been collected by the operative surgeon prospectively and corroborated with the coding department. Consecutive cases performed by a single surgeon were included in this study. Inclusion criteria were: (1) any patient who needed localisation of an impalpable breast lesion; (2) any patient who needed a sentinel lymph node biopsy; (3) cases were collected from January 2013 with the large majority of cases were collected between January 2015 and Jan 2020. Comparisons were made between patients with different localisation methods. Basic demographics were collected at the time of the surgery and outcomes then recorded. Staging, lymph node status, lymph node detection rates and complications were collected. Mode of tumour and sentinel node location was recorded. Financial data was collected from administrative staff via receipts and invoices of purchases to the hospital. Of the 125 patients included in this study: 23 underwent magnetic seed insertion; 15 underwent a hookwire insertion; 45 cases used MagTrace injection; 71 cases used radioactive colloid injection. There was a significantly higher detection rate of two or more sentinel nodes in the SentiMag group. (91% vs. 71.8%, p=0.01). Neither complication rates, nor cancer detection rates were significantly different. Eighty-four (67.2%) cases did not require tumour location. SentiMag is safe to use in a rural setting. Using the SentiMag system can simplify care for patients and surgeons and was shown to be cost effective in our hospital.

Palliative local treatment of bone metastases by 125I seed brachytherapy under DynaCT guidance: single-center experience.

We aimed to evaluate the clinical benefit of 125I seed brachytherapy under DynaCT guidance for palliative local treatment of bone metastases. From December 2014 to September 2017, 82 patients with painful bone metastases, who experienced treatment failure using standard strategies or rejected treatment were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients underwent 125I seed brachytherapy under DynaCT guidance. Technical success, visual analogue scale (VAS), numerical rating scale (NRS), verbal rating scale (VRS), Karnofsky performance status (KPS) and complications were analyzed. The success rate of 125I seed implantation was 100%. The VAS and NRS scores for the most severe pain were 7.0 (5.0-9.0) and 8.0 (6.0-9.0) before brachytherapy. The pain scores assessed every 2 hours gradually decreased within 12 hours (p < 0.001). A comparison of KPS scores showed that patients had significantly better quality of life on weeks 1, 4, and 8 than on week 0 (p < 0.001). The associated complications were mild subcutaneous hemorrhage 25.6% (21/82), fever 7.3% (6/82), minor displacement of radioactive seeds 5.0% (4/82), pathologic fracture 2.4% (2/82), and local skin reaction 2.4% (2/82). After symptomatic treatment, all complications were relieved. Minor displacement of radioactive seeds did not cause damage to adjacent tissues. No serious life-threatening complications occurred in the study group. DynaCT-guided 125I seed implantation is a safe and effective method for palliation of painful bone metastases from cancer after failure or rejection of conventional treatments.