Application of 3D-printing in accurate seed implantation therapy / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

ABSTRACT

Brachytherapy is an important modality for cancer treatment,with advantages of local high doses and little damages to surrounding normal tissues,including high and low dose rate.In the low dose rate brachytherapy,the seeds are implanted into the locations of tumor by way of puncture to kill the tumor cells.The low dose rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer has received the same outcome with surgery and external radiation therapy.3D-printing template was produced by computer program based on image scan information and the needle tract,based on definition of the target prescription dose and 3D-printing template assisted CT guidance for needles puncture and seed implantation.Seed implantation has become the standard procedure in treatment for head and neck,thoracic,abdomen and pelvic cancers according to pre-plan,real-time optimization and post-dese evaluation,which is a symbol of new era for seed implantation.