Study of 3D-printed multi-channel applicator in patients treated with brachytherapy after cervical cancer surgery / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To compare the dosimetric difference between 3D-printed multi-channel applicator and conventional vaginal single-channel applicator for brachytherapy, aiming to provide guidance for patients receiving brachytherapy after cervical cancer surgery.Methods:From January 2019 to November 2020, 25 cervical cancer patients complicated with VAIN Ⅲ receiving 192Ir high-dose-rate brachytherapy after cervical cancer surgery were selected. Each patient was located by CT scanning with 3D-printed multi-channel applicator and conventional vaginal single-channel applicator, and corresponding plan and evaluation were carried out. The dose volume histogram (DVH) was obtained by inverse dose optimization algorithm. The dosimetric differences of high-risk clinical target volume (HRCTV), bladder and rectum during brachytherapy were compared with those of source applicators. The optimal treatment plan was selected. Results:D 90%, D 100%, V 100% and V 150% of the plans designed by 3D-printed individual multi-channel applicator had no significant differences compared with those designed by conventional single-channel applicator (all P>0.05). The bladder and rectal D 2cm 3 designed by 3D-printed multi-channel applicator were significantly lower than those using conventional single-channel applicator, and the differences were statistically significant (both P<0.05). Conclusion:The multi-channel individual applicator target made by 3D-printing technology has good conformal property, properly protects the bladder and rectum and possesses treatment advantages over conventional single-channel applicator.