Diagnostics (Jun 2024)

CT Angiography-Guided Needle Insertion for Interstitial Brachytherapy in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer

  • Alexandra Timea Kirsch-Mangu,
  • Diana Cristina Pop,
  • Alexandru Tipcu,
  • Alexandra Ioana Andries,
  • Gina Iulia Pasca,
  • Zsolt Fekete,
  • Andrei Roman,
  • Alexandru Irimie,
  • Claudia Ordeanu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14121267
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 12
p. 1267

Abstract

Read online

CT angiography might be a suitable procedure to avoid arterial puncture in combined intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy for cervical cancer curatively treated with combined chemoradiation and brachytherapy boost. Data in the literature about this technique are scarce. We introduced this method and collected brachytherapy data from patients treated in our department between May 2021 and April 2024. We analyzed the applicator subtype, needle insertion (planned versus implanted), implanted depth and the role of CT angiography in selecting needle trajectories and insertion depths. None of the patients managed through this protocol experienced atrial puncture and consequent hemorrhage. Needle positions were accurately selected with the aid of CT angiography with proper coverage of brachytherapy targets and avoidance of organs at risk. CT angiography is a promising method for guiding needle insertion during interstitial brachytherapy.

Keywords