How many brain metastases can be treated with stereotactic radiosurgery before the radiation dose delivered to normal brain tissue rivals that associated with standard whole brain radiotherapy?

Introduction: Clinical trial data comparing outcomes after administration of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) to patients with brain metastases (BM) suggest that SRS better preserves cognitive function and quality of life without negatively impacting overall survival. Here, we estimate the maximum number of BM that can be treated using single and multi-session SRS while limiting the dose of radiation delivered to normal brain tissue to that associated with WBRT.

Methods: Multiple-tumor SRS was simulated using a Monte Carlo - type approach and a pre-calculated dose kernel method.

12-year outcomes following permanent prostate brachytherapy in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer.

Purpose: We reviewed the outcomes in men treated with permanent prostate brachytherapy (PPB).

Material And Methods: A total of 1,449 consecutive patients with a mean age of 68 years treated with PPB between 1992 and 2000 and mean pretreatment prostate specific antigen (PSA) 10.1 ng/ml were included in this study.

Is there a role for postimplant dosimetry after real-time dynamic permanent prostate brachytherapy?

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation of real-time dynamic prostate brachytherapy (RTDPB) dosimetry and traditional postimplant dosimetry for permanent prostate brachytherapy.

Methods And Materials: A total of 164 patients underwent RTDPB for clinically confined prostate cancer. Of these 164 patients, 45 were implanted with 103Pd and 119 with 125I.

12-year outcomes following permanent prostate brachytherapy in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer.

Purpose: We reviewed the outcomes in men treated with permanent prostate brachytherapy (PPB).

Material And Methods: A total of 1,449 consecutive patients with a mean age of 68 years treated with PPB between 1992 and 2000 and mean pretreatment prostate specific antigen (PSA) 10.1 ng/ml were included in this study.

HDR brachytherapy with surface applicators: technical considerations and dosimetry.

HDR surface molds offer an alternative radiotherapy modality to electrons for the treatment of skin lesions. Treatment planning and dosimetry are discussed for two types of surface molds used in our clinic. Standard rectangular applicators are used on a variety of sites where surface curvature is minimal.

Influence of prostate volume on dosimetry results in real-time 125I seed implantation.

Purpose: Achieving a minimal dose of 140 Gy to 90% of the prostate (D90) on postimplant dosimetry has been shown to yield improved biochemical control by 125I brachytherapy, and a D90 >180 Gy can be associated with increased long-term toxicity of seed implantation. Significant enlargement of the prostate on postimplant CT compared with the ultrasound (US) volume at implantation (CT/US ratio) has been associated with lower dose results, but other factors predicting for high or low doses are not well established. We determined whether the prostate size at implantation influenced the CT/US ratio results affecting postimplant dosimetry or predicted for D90 values <140 or >180 Gy in patients implanted with 125I in a community hospital setting.

Intrafractional stability of the prostate using a stereotactic radiotherapy technique.

Purpose: To evaluate the stability of the prostate during stereotactic radiation therapy.

Materials And Methods: Forty-seven patients underwent placement of three fiducial markers into the prostate as part of a pilot study of hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy. Portal images before and subsequent to 227 radiotherapy fractions were analyzed for prostate movement.