Tumor and normal tissue dosimetry changes during MR-guided pulsed-dose-rate (PDR) brachytherapy for cervical cancer

Abstract

Background and purpose: To analyze systematic changes in tumor and normal tissue anatomy and dosimetry using serial MR imaging during pulsed dose rate brachytherapy (PDR BT) for cervical cancer.

Material and methods: Forty-three patients with cervical cancer underwent MR-guided PDR BT using an intrauterine applicator alone after external beam radiotherapy. MR imaging was repeated on days 2 and 3 of treatment and the day 1 plan was applied to the re-contoured volumes.

Results: The mean uterine volume and mean HR CTV increased during treatment. This resulted in a decrease in the mean HR CTV D90 relative to the day 1 planned dose. There was no change in the mean bladder volume during treatment but the mean rectal volume increased. This correlated with an increase in the mean rectal dose. There were four local recurrences. There was no apparent relationship between either the planned or the delivered HR CTV D90 and local recurrence. There was only one case of late bladder toxicity but nine patients developed late rectal toxicity. The cumulative rectal dose during treatment was a better predictor of late rectal toxicity than the planned dose.

Conclusions: Significant changes in tumor and normal tissue anatomy and dosimetry can occur during PDR BT and should be tracked and corrected using serial imaging and plan adaptation, especially when the day 1 tumor or normal tissue doses are close to the planning constraints.