GEC-ESTRO ACROP recommendations on calibration and traceability of LE-LDR photon-emitting brachytherapy sources at the hospital level.

Prostate brachytherapy treatment using permanent implantation of low-energy (LE) low-dose rate (LDR) sources is successfully and widely applied in Europe. In addition, seeds are used in other tumour sites, such as ophthalmic tumours, implanted temporarily. The calibration issues for LE-LDR photon emitting sources are specific and different from other sources used in brachytherapy.

Success rate of thyroid remnant ablation for differentiated thyroid cancer based on 5550 MBq post-therapy scan.

Background: Success rate of thyroid remnant ablation in patients with low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is commonly based on measurement of serum thyroglobulin levels and 185 MBq (5 mCi) diagnostic 131I scanning or neck ultrasound, performed 6-9 months after ablation. In the present study, we report the rates of successful 131I ablation based on a 5550 MBq (150 mCi) post-therapy scan performed 6-9 months after ablation.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 77 adult patients with DTC, stage T1-T3, N0 or N1, M0, demonstrating thyroid remnant uptake one week after a 2775 MBq (75 mCi) ablation dose.

Prospective multi-center dosimetry study of low-dose Iodine-125 prostate brachytherapy performed after transurethral resection.

Purpose: To evaluate in a multicenter setting the ability of centers to perform pre-implant permanent prostate brachytherapy planning, fulfilling dosimetric goals and constraints based on the Groupe de Curiethérapie-European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology guidelines in the setting of implantation after prior prostate transurethral resection (TURP).

Material And Methods: A reference transrectal ultrasound image set of the prostate gland from a patient who had undergone TURP was used. Contouring of the prostate, clinical target volume and organs at risk was performed by the coordinating center.

CT- and MRI-based seed localization in postimplant evaluation after prostate brachytherapy.

Purpose: To compare the uncertainties in CT- and MRI-based seed reconstruction in postimplant evaluation after prostate seed brachytherapy in terms of interobserver variability and quantify the impact of seed detection variability on a selection of dosimetric parameters for three postplan techniques: (1) CT, (2) MRI-T1 weighted fused with MRI-T2 weighted, and (3) CT fused with MRI-T2 weighted.

Methods And Materials: Seven physicists reconstructed the seed positions on postimplant CT and MRI-T1 images of three patients. For each patient and imaging modality, the interobserver variability was calculated with respect to a reference seed set.

[18 FDG PET imaging of the brain in the analysis of a dementia syndrome].

According to current dementia guidelines from 2005 (CBO) functional brain imaging by PET-scan of the brain has no place in the analysis of a dementia syndrome. Differential diagnosis between Alzheimer disease and other causes of dementia remains important because there are differences in natural course and treatment. Here we present three patients aged 62, 71 and 68 years with dementia syndrome who were assessed at an outpatient memory clinic.