Reduction of radioactive seed embolization to the lung following prostate brachytherapy.

Purpose: Ultrasound-guided interstitial implantation of radioactive seeds is a common treatment for early stage prostate cancer. One of the risks associated with this therapy is seed embolization to the lung. This paper reports on the incidence and possible adverse effects of seed migration.

A method for implementing the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group-43 dosimetry recommendations for 125I transperineal prostate seed implants on commercial treatment planning systems.

Purpose: To present our experience implementing the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Task Group #43 (TG-43) recommendations for 125I dosimetry parameters utilizing two commercially available treatment planning systems.

Methods And Materials: Single seed point source calculations were performed on two treatment planning systems and intercomparisons were conducted between known points of interest for (a) previously published data on each system, (b) TG-43 data on each system, and (c) hand calculations. Additional calculations and intercomparisons were performed for a typical 35 cm3 prostate volume implant with a prescribed dose of 160 Gy.

Should brachytherapy be considered a therapeutic option in localized prostate cancer?

Contemporary prostate brachytherapy incorporates advances in computer analysis, imaging technology, and delivery apparatus, allowing exacting and reproducible results compared with historical approaches. The advances permit brachytherapy to be performed on a cost-effective, outpatient basis with low morbidity in the appropriately selected patient. Although unsettled questions remain regarding dosimetric issues, long-term outcomes, and morbidity, the weight of evidence to date appears to support the use of brachytherapy in selected patients.

In vivo diode dosimetry for total marrow irradiation.

Purpose: To describe a method and evaluate the efficacy of using a p-type silicon diode as an alternative to thermoluminescent dosimeters for verifying the accuracy of total marrow irradiation setups and calculations.

Methods And Materials: A calibration factor has been measured for a 6 MV photon beam incident horizontally onto a polystyrene phantom inside an in-house built total marrow irradiation stand. Signal responses due to positioning and orientation of the diode with respect to the source were compared to a 0.