Are active dwell positions always necessary in the ring/ovoids channel of the cervical applicator in the intracavitary-interstitial brachytherapy of cervical cancer?

PURPOSE

To compare dosimetric parameters of brachytherapy (BT) treatment plans made with or without active source positions of the ring/ovoid (R/O) applicator in locally advanced cervical cancer patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty patients with cervical cancer without vaginal involvement were selected for the study, who received intra-cavitary/interstitial BT. For each patient, two plans with and without active source dwell positions in R/O were created, using the same dose-volume constraints. EQD total doses from external beam and BT of target volumes and organs at risk (OARs) between the competing plans were compared.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the dose of high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) and gross tumor volume (GTV) between the plans with inactive vs. active R/O. The mean D of intermediate-risk clinical target volume (IR-CTV) was significantly lower with inactive R/O; however, the GEC-ESTRO (EMBRACE II study) and ABS criteria were fulfilled in 96% in both plans. There was no difference in dose homogeneity, but conformity of the plans with inactive R/O was higher. Doses to all OARs were significantly lower in plans without R/O activation. While all the plans without R/O activation fulfilled the recommended dose criteria for OARs, it was less achievable with R/O activation.

CONCLUSIONS

Inactivation of R/O applicator results in similar dose coverage of the target volumes with lower doses to all OARs, as activation of R/O in cervix cancer patients when HR-CTV does not extend to R/O applicator. The use of active source positions in R/O shows worse performance regarding the fulfilment of the recommended criteria for OARs.