[MRI-assisted brachytherapy of nonresectable liver metastases. Preliminary technical and clinical experiences].

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of MR-guided interstitial brachytherapy of non-resectable liver metastasis.

METHODS

Liver metastases (0.8-5.2 cm in diameter) were treated during a prospective phase I/II study using an open 0.2 Tesla MR system (Magnetom Open Viva, Siemens, Erlangen). MR-compatible brachytherapy applicators were placed percutaneously under MR-guidance in an open 0.2 Tesla MR system (Magnetom Open Viva, Siemens, Erlangen) using fast T1-weighted sequences. Pretreatment and follow-up studies were performed using a 1.5 Tesla MR system.

RESULTS

Preliminary results of an unpublished prospective study are discussed exemplary on 2 selected patients. The median procedure time was 4.9 h. No major complications were observed and late effects were acceptable. In large symptomatic metastases only a temporary relief of pain was achieved. In smaller metastases (DM 3 cm) a tumor control was observed.

CONCLUSION

MR-guided brachytherapy is feasible and has the potential to ablate liver metastases with diameter of less than 3 cm. Further developments are necessary.