Application of endoscopy-guided titanium clip placement in precision radiotherapy for early esophageal cancer / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the application of the placement of titanium clips in the upper and lower tumor margins in precision radiotherapy for early esophageal cancer. Methods:Seventeen patients with early esophageal cancer underwent endoscopy-guided implantation of titanium clips to mark the upper and lower tumor margins. CT-based simulation was performed to delineate the gross tumor volume ( GTV) . The application value of this technology in precision radiotherapy was evaluated. Results:For all patients (including 13 cases with initial treatment and 4 patients requiring radiotherapy after endoscopic resection), the esophageal tumors were not explicitly displayed on CT and barium meal images and the GTV range could not be accurately determined. The esophageal tumors were marked by successful placement of at least one titanium clip in the upper and lower tumor margins. Subsequently, the esophageal tumors were successfully displayed on CT simulation and the target area was accurately delineated. No grade 3-4 adverse events, such as bleeding and perforation occurred. Conclusion Endoscopy-guided titanium clip placement is convenient and feasible for early esophageal cancer, which is of clinical significance for determining the target area of radiotherapy.