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The paper considers an algorithm for the diagnostic study of patients with cancer of different localization, the possibility and feasibility of involving imaging techniques in radiation therapy and brachytherapy (BT) planning. The most widely used ultrasound in BT planning does not exclude a subjective assessment of the boundaries of the tumor and organs at risk, as well as the inaccuracies caused by endostatic devices. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a high level of achievement of the criteria necessary for BT planning, but it has financial constraints and the need for individual selection of research conditions. Computed tomography (CT) is the most effective technique for visualizing the tumor, endostatic devices, and organs at risk for BT 3D planning. The involvement of MRI and positron emission tomography with CT in BT planning is a promising area that requires equipping with a mathematical tool for double and triple contouring of the tumor and organs at risk and for defining protection priorities. The prescribed and used focal dose should be controlled by direct dosimetry methods to ensure quality assurance.

The problem of treating patients with tumoral lesions of the spine and spinal cord remains unresolved due to the variety of morphological forms of the disease, the complexity of diagnosis, the limited pathognomonic symptoms, in particular, the neurologic correlation of the prevalence of the process and the symptoms of compression of nerve structures. Patients with metastatic spine of various origin have an average life expectancy with timely diagnosis and specific treatment, 16.2 months, and in some cases, for example, with metastatic spread of small-cell lung cancer not more than 3 months. The goal of surgical treatment remains decompression of the spinal cord, reconstruction of the spine, stabilization of the unstable spinal motion segment, correction of the growing deformation of the spine. 3D printing of implants to replace the bodies of the affected vertebrae is a new and progressive trend in personified medicine. Complexities arising during the implementation phase of this technology require careful study and analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]