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Background and Purpose: This study aims to analyze subsections of the target volume that are sensitive to delineation uncertainties with respect to underdosage (spatial dosimetric uncertainty) in MRI-based brachytherapy of cervical cancer., Material and Methods: A methodology was developed to simulate delineation uncertainties by shifting an angular segment of the contour perpendicular to the original HR-CTV. For shifts of 3, 6 and 9mm resulting D90 and D98 were calculated for the modified contour. The sensitivity of the dose plan to the locally introduced error was estimated by linear regression of D90 or D98 against the magnitude of the shift. The methodology was employed on 20 patients treated with tandem ring brachytherapy., Results: Topographic maps resulting from the dosimetric sensitivity analysis showed both large spatial variations and substantial inter-patient variations. For all plans included the spatial sensitivity in D90 ranged from 0.0 to -1.6%/mm, correspondingly sensitivity in D98 ranged from 0 to -4.6%/mm. A significantly increased dosimetric sensitivity was found in anterior direction and the cranial part of the tumor (p<0.05)., Conclusions: The developed methodology identifies specific tumor regions and patients with increased risk of underdosage from delineation uncertainties in brachytherapy of cervical cancer., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of random and systematic applicator reconstruction uncertainties on DVH parameters in brachytherapy for cervical cancer., Material and Methods: Dose plans were analysed for 20 cervical cancer patients with MRI based brachytherapy. Uncertainty of applicator reconstruction was modelled by translating and rotating the applicator. Changes in DVH parameters per mm of applicator displacement were evaluated for GTV, CTV, bladder, rectum, and sigmoid. These data were used to derive patient population based estimates of delivered dose relative to expected dose., Results: Deviations of DVH parameters depend on direction of reconstruction uncertainty. The most sensitive organs are rectum and bladder where mean DVH parameter shifts are 5-6% per mm applicator displacement in ant-post direction. For other directions and other DVH parameters, mean shifts are below 4% per mm. By avoiding systematic reconstruction errors, uncertainties on DVH parameters can be kept below 10% in 90% of a patient population. Systematic errors of a few millimetres can lead to significant deviations., Conclusion: Comprehensive quality control of afterloader, applicators and imaging procedures should be applied to prevent systematic errors in applicator reconstruction. Random errors should be minimised by using small slice thickness. With careful reconstruction procedures, reliable DVH parameters for target and OAR's can be obtained.

Background and Purpose: Brachytherapy (BT) plays a crucial role in the management of invasive cervix cancer from stage I to IV. Intracavitary techniques are based on afterloading devices, with different types of applicators. CT and/or MRI compatible applicators allow a sectional image based approach with a better assessment of gross tumour volume (GTV) and definition and delineation of target volume (CTV) compared to traditional approaches. Accurate and reproducible delineation of GTV, CTV and PTV, as well as of critical organs has a direct impact on BT treatment planning, especially if it is possible to adapt the pear-shape isodose by optimisation using DVH analysis. When introducing a 3D image based approach for GTV and CTV assessment, there is a need for a common language to describe the concepts and to define the terms which are to be used., Methods: In 2000, GEC-ESTRO decided to support 3D imaging based 3D treatment planning approach in cervix cancer BT with the creation of a Working Group. The task was to describe basic concepts and terms and to work out a terminology enabling various groups working in this advanced field to use a common language. The recommendations described in this report were proposed based on clinical experience and dosimetric concepts of different institutions (IGR, Leuven, Vienna) and were stepwise validated against the background of different clinical experience., Conclusions: As GTV and CTV for BT change significantly during treatment, time frame for assessment of GTV and CTV for BT is specified in this report: at time of diagnosis GTV(D), CTV(D) and at time of BT GTV(B), CTV(B). Furthermore, CTV for BT is defined related to risk for recurrence: high risk CTV and intermediate risk CTV. Beside verbal descriptions detailed examples are given, partly in form of schematic drawings.