Intra-operative dosimetry of trans-rectal ultrasound guided ¹²⁵I prostate implants using C-arm fluoroscopic images

• Main Authors: Ravindran Paul, Lewis C, Van Dyk J, D′Souza D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2006-01-01
• Series: Journal of Medical Physics
• Subjects: ¹²⁵I; C-arm fluoroscopy; prostate implant; trans-rectal ultrasound
• Online Access: http://www.bioline.org.br/request?06008
• ISSN: 0971-6203

Permanent implantation of radioactive seeds is a viable and effective therapeutic option widely used today for early-stage prostate cancer. The implant technique has improved considerably during the recent years due to the use of image guidance; however, real-time dose distributions would allow potential cold spots to be assessed and additional seeds added. In this study, we investigate the use of a conventional C-arm fluoroscopy unit for image acquisition and evaluation of dose distribution immediately after the implant. The phantom study indicates that it is possible to obtain seed positions within ±2 mm. A pilot study carried out with three patients indicated that it is possible to obtain seed positions and calculate the dose distribution with C-arm fluoroscopy and about 95% of the seeds were reconstructed within ±2 mm. The results could be further improved with better digital imaging.