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Objective Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) has been rapidly increasing in incidence over the past 30 years. Mainstays of treatment remain surgery and radiotherapy, particularly in older and/or frail patients (≥75 years old) that often require a personalized treatment strategy using innovative biotechnologies. High-dose-rate interventional radiotherapy (HDR-IRT) seems to be an excellent option for NMSC. Material and Methods Nineteen aged patients with advanced, biopsy proven NMSC were treated with exclusively HDR-IRT. A personalized double-layer mould of thermoplastic mask material was applied to the skin surface. Plastic tubes were fixed on the mould in appropriate geometry over the target area. Planning computed tomography (CT) images were acquired with 2.5 mm slice thickness and transmitted to the planning system. Treatment intention was to deliver ≥95% of the prescribed dose to the Planning Target Volume (PTV), accepting 90% as satisfactory. Toxicities were assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events scale (CTCAE) v. 4.0. Results Median age was 86 years. Acute toxicity: Grade 2 erythema appeared in all 19 patients. Towards the end of each treatment schedule, epidermolysis developed which was resolved within 6 weeks of completing HDR-IRT. Late toxicity: Grade 1 skin atrophy, pigmentation changes and alopecia in field were observed in all patients. At last follow-up, all patients were disease free. Conclusions Personalized HDR-IRT appears to be safe and effective for frail older patients and a valid alternative to supportive care for those with contraindication to surgery. Future investigations using also large database analysis seem to be advisory.

Background The Head and Neck and Skin (HNS) Working group of the GEC-ESTRO acknowledges the lack of widely accepted Dose Volume Histogram (DVH) constraints in adjuvant head and neck brachytherapy and issues recommendations to minimize mandibular Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) and Soft Tissue Necrosis (STN). Methods A total of 227 patients with the diagnosis of head and neck cancer treated with surgery and adjuvant HDR brachytherapy alone or combined with other treatment modalities during the period 2000–2018 were analyzed. Results STN was observed in 28 out of 227 cases (12.3%) with an average time to appearance of 4.0 months. In previously unirradiated cases, there was a positive correlation between CTV size and STN (p = 0.017) and a trend towards significance between Total EQD2-DVH TV100 dose and STN (p = 0.06). The risk of STN in the absence of both factors (i.e, CTV Conclusions In Unirradiated patients the panel recommends to avoid implantation of postoperative CTVs exceeding 15 cm3 at Total EQD2-DVH TV100 doses in excess of 87 Gy as well as to limit the irradiation of the Mandible2cm3 to 61 Gy. In previously irradiated patients the panel cannot make a recommendation based on the available results.

Purpose The aim of the present work is to assess the Objective Breast Cosmesis Scale (OBCS) in a patient cohort that was treated in two hospitals. Their treatment-related cosmetic changes were recorded on nonstandardized photographs. Methods and Materials Nineteen female patients were enrolled in two radiation oncology centers (Nice, France, and Perugia, Italy). All patients had undergone breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and received adjuvant accelerated partial breast irradiation using interstitial fractionated multicatheter high-dose-rate brachytherapy. One photograph before and another after accelerated partial breast irradiation was taken for each patient to record changes in breast cosmesis. Using the OBCS, before and after photographs were analyzed by measuring distances between anatomic features. OBCS scores from four doctors (two males [one radiation oncologist and one post-grad trainee] and two females [one radiation oncologist and one post-grad trainee]) were compared. Results Agreement was high between trainees and specialist, and males and females before and after treatment. The intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.867 to 0.950 before treatment and from 0.876 to 0.952 afterward. The coefficient of variation ranged from 12% to 26.5% before treatment, and from 13% to 21.4% afterward. Conclusions The OBCS is easy, time-efficient, reproducible, cost-effective, and reliable. Its potential practical applications merit further investigation in future studies.

Purpose: Clinical data collecting is expensive in terms of time and human resources. Data can be collected in different ways; therefore, performing multicentric research based on previously stored data is often difficult. The primary objective of the ENT COBRA (COnsortium for BRachytherapy data Analysis) ontology is to define a specific terminological system to standardized data collection for head and neck (H&N) cancer patients treated with interventional radiotherapy. Material and methods: ENT-COBRA is a consortium for standardized data collection for H&N patients treated with interventional radiotherapy. It is linked to H&N and Skin GEC-ESTRO Working Group and includes 11 centers from 6 countries. Its ontology was firstly defined by a multicentric working group, then evaluated by the consortium followed by a multi-professional technical commission involving a mathematician, an engineer, a physician with experience in data storage, a programmer, and a software expert. Results: Two hundred and forty variables were defined on 13 input forms. There are 3 levels, each offering a specific type of analysis: 1. Registry level (epidemiology analysis); 2. Procedures level (standard oncology analysis); 3. Research level radiomics analysis). The ontology was approved by the consortium and technical commission; an ad-hoc software architecture (“broker”) remaps the data present in already existing storage systems of the various centers according to the shared terminology system. The first data sharing was successfully performed using COBRA software and the ENT COBRA Ontology, automatically collecting data directly from 3 different hospital databases (Lübeck, Navarra, and Rome) in November 2017. Conclusions: The COBRA Ontology is a good response to the multi-dimensional criticalities of data collection, retrieval, and usability. It allows to create a software for large multicentric databases with implementation of specific remapping functions wherever necessary. This approach is well-received by all involved parties, primarily because it does not change a single center’s storing technologies, procedures, and habits.

Purpose To define the role of focal laser ablation (FLA) as clinical treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) using the Delphi consensus method. Methods A panel of international experts in the field of focal therapy (FT) in PCa conducted a collaborative consensus project using the Delphi method. Experts were invited to online questionnaires focusing on patient selection and treatment of PCa with FLA during four subsequent rounds. After each round, outcomes were displayed, and questionnaires were modified based on the comments provided by panelists. Results were finalized and discussed during face-to-face meetings. Results Thirty-seven experts agreed to participate, and consensus was achieved on 39/43 topics. Clinically significant PCa (csPCa) was defined as any volume Grade Group 2 [Gleason score (GS) 3+4]. Focal therapy was specified as treatment of all csPCa and can be considered primary treatment as an alternative to radical treatment in carefully selected patients. In patients with intermediate-risk PCa (GS 3+4) as well as patients with MRI-visible and biopsy-confirmed local recurrence, FLA is optimal for targeted ablation of a specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-visible focus. However, FLA should not be applied to candidates for active surveillance and close follow-up is required. Suitability for FLA is based on tumor volume, location to vital structures, GS, MRI-visibility, and biopsy confirmation. Conclusion Focal laser ablation is a promising technique for treatment of clinically localized PCa and should ideally be performed within approved clinical trials. So far, only few studies have reported on FLA and further validation with longer follow-up is mandatory before widespread clinical implementation is justified. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00345-019-02636-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Es werden die Sicherheit und die Effektivitat der intensitatsmodulierten HDR-Brachytherapie (IMBT) mit einer deutlichen fokalen Dosiseskalation in der Therapie des Prostatakarzinoms prospektiv untersucht. Zwei unterschiedliche Patientengruppen wurden behandelt. Einmal die Primartherapiegruppe (n = 139) und die Rezidivtherapiegruppe (n = 11). Folgende Parameter wurden ausgewertet: Datum der Erstdiagnose, Gleason-Score, initialer PSA-Wert, PSA-Nadir, Prostatavolumen im transrektalen Ultraschall in ml, Prostatastanzbiopsie, Datum der Brachytherapie, antihormonelle Therapie, Chemotherapie, Uroflow-Untersuchung und Restharnbestimmung pra- und postoperativ, Anzahl der Nadeln im jeweiligen Prostatalappen, Auswertung der Nachsorgedaten. In unserer Studie zeigt sich in der Primargruppe ein PSA-Wert zum Nachsorgezeitpunkt im Bereich von 0–4 ng/ml bei 87,6 % sowie in der Rezidivgruppe bei 81,8 %. 55,8 % in der Primartherapiegruppe erreichten einen PSA-Nadir 5 ng/ml. In der Rezidivgruppe hatten 100 % einen PSA-Nadir

Purpose: To report the results of a patient’s tailored therapeutic approach using a second course of interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy) in patients with locally recurrent uveal melanoma. Material and methods: Patients who had already undergone ocular brachytherapy treated at our IOC (Interventional Oncology Center) were considered. Five patients who has received a second course of treatment with a plaque after local recurrences were included in our study. Re-irradiation was performed with Ruthenium-106 (prescribed dose to the apex 100 Gy) or with Iodine-125 plaques (prescribed dose to the apex 85 Gy). Moreover, a systematic literature search was conducted through three electronic databases, including Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Results: All patients were initially treated with Ruthenium-106 plaque; the re-irradiation was performed with Ruthenium-106 plaque in three cases and with Iodine in two cases. Mean time between the first and the second plaque was 56.8 months (range, 25-93 months). Local tumor control rate was 100%, no patient underwent secondary enucleation owing to re-treatment failure. Distant metastasis occurred in 1 patient after 6 months from re-treatment. After a median follow-up of 44.2 months (range, 26-65 months) from re-treatment, all patients experienced worsening of the visual acuity (median visual acuity was 0.42 at time of recurrence and decline to 0.24 at the most recent follow-up); cataract occurred in two cases, no patient developed scleral necrosis. We considered 2 papers for a systematic review. Conclusions: In selected cases, especially in presence of marginal local recurrence, a personalized re-treatment strategy with a plaque may offer high probability of tumor control and organ preservation but worsening of visual acuity.

Purpose or Objective:To present the results of a patient therapeutic approach using a second course of Interventional Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy) in a setting of patients with local recurrence of uveal melanoma. Material and Methods: Patients who had already undergone ocular brachytherapy at IOC (Interventional Oncology Center) of the “Gemelli ART” (Advanced Radiation Therapy) of Rome were considered. In this group, five patients with a local recurrence that received a second course of treatment with a plaque were included in our analysis. The reirradiation was performed with a plaque of Ruthenium-106 (dose prescribed to the apex 100 Gy) or of Iodine-125 (dose prescribed to the apex 85Gy).

Purpose To reach standardized terminology in focal therapy (FT) for prostate cancer (PCa). Methods A four-stage modified Delphi consensus project was undertaken among a panel of international experts in the field of FT for PCa. Data on terminology in FT was collected from the panel by three rounds of online questionnaires. During a face-to-face meeting on June 21, 2015, attended by 38 experts, all data from the online rounds were reviewed and recommendations for definitions were formulated. Results Consensus was attained on 23 of 27 topics; TargetedFT was defined as a lesion-based treatment strategy, treating all identified significant cancer foci; FT was generically defined as an anatomy-based (zonal) treatment strategy. Treatment failure due to the ablative energy inadequately destroying treated tissue is defined as ablation failure. In targeting failure the energy is not adequately applied to the tumor spatially and selection failure occurs when a patient was wrongfully selected for FT. No definition of biochemical recurrence can be recommended based on the current data. Important definitions for outcome measures are potency (minimum IIEF-5 score of 21), incontinence (new need for pads or leakage) and deterioration in urinary function (increase in IPSS >5 points). No agreement on the best quality of life tool was established, but UCLA-EPIC and EORTC-QLQ-30 were most commonly supported by the experts. A complete overview of statements is presented in the text. Conclusion Focal therapy is an emerging field of PCa therapeutics. Standardization of definitions helps to create comparable research results and facilitate clear communication in clinical practice. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00345-016-1782-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

For ipsilateral breast cancer tumor (IBTR), radical mastectomy represents the treatment option frequently proposed to the patient. A second conservative treatment (SCT) has been proposed using either lumpectomy alone or associated with a second irradiation of the tumor bed. However, in both clinical situations, the proof level of such therapeutic approaches remains low, based on cased-series or retrospective studies. To analyze the clinical outcome of a SCT using lumpectomy and multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy (MIB) for IBTR, the GEC-ESTRO Breast Working Group retrospectively analyzed the results of 217 patients (pts) with an IBTR treated between 09/00 and 09/10 in 8 European institutions by lumpectomy and MIB (low - LDR, pulse - PDR, or high-dose rate - HDR). Survival rates without 2nd local (2nd LR) and metastatic recurrence, disease free survival (DFS) and specific and overall survivals were analyzed as well as late effects and cosmetic results. Dosimetric data were reported according to the dose rate used. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to find local, metastatic and/or DFS progression prognostic factors. With a median follow-up of 14.5 years [3.5–38.2] and 3.9 years [1.1–10.3] from primary tumor and IBTR respectively and a median time interval of 9.4 years [1.1–35.4] between primary and IBTR, 20.7% of the local recurrence were observed at distance from the primary tumor. Median tumor sizes were 15 mm [1–60] and 11 mm [1–40] for the primary and IBTR respectively. Thirty-nine percent of the patient underwent an axillary lymph node dissection at the time of IBTR. Median radiotherapy dose for the primary was 56 Gy [30–69.6]. Positive hormonal receptor status for IBCR was 72.8% while 65% and 19.8% received hormonal and chemotherapy respectively as adjuvant therapy for the IBTR. Five and 10-year actuarial 2nd LR rates were 5.6% [1.5–9.5] and 7.2% [2.1–12.1] respectively. Five and 10-year actuarial metastatic recurrence rates were 9.6% [5.7–15.2] and 19.1% [7.8–28.3] respectively. Five and 10-year actuarial DFS rates were 84.6% [78.9–90.6] and 77.2% [67.5–88.3] respectively. Five and 10-year actuarial overall/specific survival (OS) rates were 88.7% [83.1–94.8] and 76.4% [66.9–87.3] respectively. 141 pts developed 193 complications. Fibrosis was the most frequent complication with 11% of G3-4 complications. Cosmetic result was jugged as excellent/good in 85%. Focusing on multivariate analysis, prognostic factors for 2nd LR, metastatic recurrence and DFS are reported. The results of this study suggest that in case of IBTR, a SCT combining lumpectomy plus MIB is feasible with an overall survival rate at least equivalent to those obtain after salvage mastectomy. The rate of complication remains acceptable with encouraging cosmetic results. The literature analysis suggests that the rate of 2nd LR is 10% [3–32], 25% [7–36] and 10% [2–26], after salvage mastectomy, salvage lumpectomy alone or combined with a second irradiation respectively. However, the 5-y OS rates after salvage mastectomy and SCT seem to be equivalent (75%) mainly influenced by distant metastatic progression. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-15-01.

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Focal therapy techniques are emerging in prostate cancer treatment. However, several key questions about patient selection, treatment and monitoring still have to be addressed. The concept of focal therapy is barely discussed in current urological guidelines. In the present manuscript, we report the results of a consensus meeting focused on ultrasonography, the most common used urological imaging method, in relation to focal therapy of prostate cancer. • To establish a consensus on the utility of ultrasonography (US) to select patients for focal therapy. Topics were the current status of US to determine focality of prostate cancer, to monitor and assess outcome of focal therapy and the diagnostic advantages of new US methods. In addition, the biopsy techniques required to identify focal lesions were discussed. • Urological surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and basic researchers from Europe and North America participated in a consensus meeting on the use of transrectal US (TRUS) in focal therapy of prostate cancer. The consensus process was face-to-face and specific clinical issues were raised and discussed with agreement sought when possible. • TRUS is commonly used and essential for diagnosing men with prostate cancer. It is particularly useful for targeting specific anatomical regions or visible lesions. However, it has several limitations and there is a need for improvement. Newer visualisation techniques, e.g. colour Doppler US, contrast-enhanced US and elastography, are being developed but currently there is no US technique that can accurately characterise a cancer suitable for focal therapy. Systematic biopsy is the only known procedure that allows the identification of prostate cancers suitable for focal therapy. Scarce data exist about the role of US for monitoring patients during or after ablative therapy. • Consensus was reached on all key aspects of the meeting. • US cannot reliably identify focal prostate cancer. New US methods show promising results in identifying prostate cancer focality. • Currently selecting appropriate candidates for focal therapy should be performed using dedicated protocols and biopsy schemes.

Image-Adapted brachytherapy (IABT) is a modern interdisciplinary development of classic radiation therapy, which allows the application of a high radiation dose while avoiding severe adverse events, thereby improving the prognosis of our patients. Indications in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) include tumours of the floor of mouth, the face, the paranasal sinuses, the naso- and oropharynx, recurrent cancer and incomplete resections due to close vicinity of the tumor to important structures. The application type can be classified as curative, adjuvant, perioperative as a boost with or without external beam radiation (EBRT) or as a palliative treatment. The published results encourage the integration of IABT as part of the therapy of HNSCC, thereby improving the prognosis and quality of life of our patients.

Objective/Purpose To evaluate the preliminary results of perioperative endoscopy-guided brachytherapy (BT) in recurrent sinonasal and nasopharyngeal tumors already treated for their primary tumor with a full course of radiotherapy. Methods and Materials Patients with recurrence and already treated with a previous full course of radiotherapy >65 Gy who underwent BT from December 2010 to January 2014 were taken into account for this work. Macroscopic disease was resected by an endoscopic approach, and catheters for BT were endoscopically positioned and fixed at the same time on the surgical bed. Surgery was performed under electromagnetic navigation guidance. The irradiation dose was 30 Gy in 12 fractions, 2.5 Gy each, twice a day, in 6 days. Results We performed the endoscopy-guided BT 11 times in 9 patients; in two cases, no previous radiation therapy had been performed; and in one case, followup was too short to be considered. A total of 6 patients were eligible for the analysis. One patient underwent BT three times because of previous target margin recurrences. There were no immediate complications. The median and mean followups were 21 and 19 months, respectively. The median V 90 and V 85% were 93% and 95%, respectively. In one case, we had a transient deficit of the VI cranial nerve (G3), and in another case, we diagnosed a noncomplicated osteonecrosis (G2). The median disease-free survival is 12 months, and the median overall survival is 23 months. Conclusions The combination of endoscopy and BT seems to be a safe option for treating recurrent sinonasal and nasopharyngeal tumors.

Purpose To analyse the clinical outcome after salvage lumpectomy and multi-catheter brachytherapy (MCB) for ipsilateral breast tumour recurrence (IBTR). Material and methods Between 09/00 and 09/10, 217 patients presenting an IBTR underwent lumpectomy and MCB (low, pulsed, or high-dose rate). Survival rates without second local recurrence (2nd LR), distant metastasis (DM), and overall survival (OS) were analysed as well as late effects and cosmetic results. Univariate and multivariate analyses (MVA) based on IBTR data were performed to find prognostic factors for 2nd LR, DM, and OS. Results Median follow-up after the IBTR was 3.9years [range: 1.1–10.3]. Five and 10-year actuarial 2nd LR rates were 5.6% [range: 1.5–9.5] and 7.2% [range: 2.1–12.1], respectively. Five and 10-year actuarial DM rates were 9.6% [range: 5.7–15.2] and 19.1% [range: 7.8–28.3], respectively. Five and 10-year actuarial OS rates were 88.7% [range: 83.1–94.8] and 76.4% [range: 66.9–87.3], respectively. In MVA, histological grade was prognostic factor for 2nd LR ( p =0.008) and OS ( p =0.02); while tumour size was prognostic factor for DM ( p =0.03). G3-4 complication rate was 11%. Excellent/good cosmetic result was achieved in 85%. Conclusion This study suggests that in case of IBTR, lumpectomy plus MCB is feasible and effective in preventing 2nd LR with an OS rate at least equivalent to those achieved with salvage mastectomy.

Background and purpose Rectal toxicity presents a significant limiting factor in prostate radiotherapy regimens. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of an implantable and biodegradable balloon specifically designed to protect rectal tissue during radiotherapy by increasing the prostate–rectum interspace. Patients and methods Balloons were transperineally implanted, under transrectal ultrasound guidance, into the prostate–rectum interspace in 27 patients with localized prostate cancer scheduled to undergo radiotherapy. Patients underwent two simulations for radiotherapy planning--the first simulation before implant, and the second simulation seven days post implant. The balloon position, the dimensions of the prostate, and the distance between the prostate and rectum were evaluated by CT/US examinations 1 week after the implant, weekly during the radiotherapy period, and at 3 and 6 months post implant. Dose-volume histograms of pre and post implantation were compared. Adverse events were recorded throughout the study period. Results Four of 27 patients were excluded from the evaluation. One was excluded due to a technical failure during implant, and three patients were excluded because the balloon prematurely deflated. The balloon status was evaluated for the duration of the radiotherapy period in 23 patients. With the balloon implant, the distance between the prostate and rectum increased 10-fold, from a mean 0.22 ± 0.2 cm to 2.47 ± 0.47 cm. During the radiotherapy period the balloon length changed from 4.25 ± 0.49 cm to 3.81 ± 0.84 cm and the balloon height from 1.86 ± 0.24 cm to 1.67 ± 0.22 cm. But the prostate-rectum interspace distance remained constant from beginning to end of radiotherapy: 2.47 ± 0.47 cm and 2.41 ± 0.43 cm, respectively. A significant mean reduction in calculated rectal radiation exposure was achieved. The implant procedure was well tolerated. The adverse events included mild pain at the perineal skin and in the anus. Three patients experienced acute urinary retention which resolved in a few hours following conservative treatment. No infections or thromboembolic events occurred during the implant procedure or during the radiotherapy period. Conclusion The transperineal implantation of the biodegradable balloon in patients scheduled to receive radiotherapy was safe and achieved a significant and constant gap between the prostate and rectum. This separation resulted in an important reduction in the rectal radiation dose. A prospective study to evaluate the acute and late rectal toxicity is needed.

External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) constitutes an important management option for prostate cancer (PCa). Radiation dosesor=74 Gy are warranted. Dose escalation of EBRT using three-dimensional-conformal radiotherapy (RT) or intensity-modulated RT improves the therapeutic index by minimizing normal tissue complication probability and increasing tumor control probability. Although higher doses are associated with better biochemical disease-free survival, no impact on local recurrence or overall survival has been demonstrated. Hypofractionation for PCa may be an attractive therapeutic option, but toxicity data need to be confirmed in randomized phase III trials. Advances in RT technology, such as volumetric modulated arc therapy and image-guided RT, could facilitate the introduction of dose escalation and hypofractionation into clinical practice. Particle beam irradiation and more specific carbon ion RT are also very promising new techniques that are under investigation. Ultimately, these techniques may lead to focal dose escalation by selective boosting of dominant intraprostatic lesions, which is currently under investigation as a solution to overcome increased toxicity of homogenous dose escalation. This review will give a comprehensive overview of all the recent advances in these new radiation therapy techniques.

Contains fulltext : 88599.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) PURPOSE: To establish a consensus in relation to case selection, conduct of therapy, and outcomes that are associated with focal therapy for men with localized prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Urologic surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and histopathologists from North America and Europe participated in a consensus workshop on focal therapy for prostate cancer. The consensus process was face to face within a structured meeting, in which pertinent clinical issues were raised, discussed, and agreement sought. Where no agreement was possible, this was acknowledged, and the nature of the disagreement noted. RESULTS: Candidates for focal treatment should have unilateral low- to intermediate-risk disease with clinical stage

Background and purpose The Braphyqs group (BRAchytherapy PHYsics Quality System, the brachytherapy physicist’s task group of GEC-ESTRO) investigated the quality of CT- and X-ray based seed reconstruction procedures using the Kiel-phantom. In this study systematic phantom investigations on CT post-planning and the results of a mailed multi-centre inter-comparison are presented. Materials and methods The phantom was equipped with a test configuration composed of 17 non-radioactive seeds. To investigate the quality of seed reconstruction CT measurements with varying CT parameters and different seed models were carried out. In a mailed multi-centre approach the phantom was sent to six European seed centres. The centres performed a typical CT- or X-ray based post-planning. The coordinates of the reconstructed sources were compared with the known positions in the phantom. Results In the systematic study it was found for the used CT scanner and seed models that when the slice thickness or the table index (respectively, an appropriate pitch for helical scans) reaches 4 or 5 mm the accuracy of the CT seed reconstruction decreases in longitudinal direction. No influences of scanned field of view, tube current, kV p , or scan type (axial or spiral) on seed reconstruction accuracy were detected. This finding was confirmed by the multi-centre evaluation. It was demonstrated that the Kiel-phantom is a suitable quality assurance (QA) tool for the assessment of the seed reconstruction accuracy in post-implant procedures and that it is a feasible QA test tool for a mailed multi-centre approach. Conclusions QA of seed post-planning is necessary. A trend was observed that when the slice thickness and table index is 4 or 5 mm the standard deviation of the reconstructed seeds increases for CT-based post-planning. Individual optimizations can be performed with dedicated phantoms.

Background and purpose In a prospective multi-center phase II trial, we investigated the MammoSite ® Radiation Therapy System, a new device for delivering intracavitary brachytherapy following breast conserving surgery. The MammoSite ® is a dual lumen, closed ended catheter with a small, spherical inflatable balloon and a port for connecting a remote afterloader to the central lumen. We analyzed the surgical procedure and placement of the MammoSite ® , treatment planning and radiation delivery complications and cosmesis, as well the comfort for the patients. Patients and methods Between 2002 and 2004 a total of 32 patients (pts) were implanted using the MammoSite ® . The reference isodose was defined 1cm from the balloon surface. We analyzed the post-implant anatomic position of the applicator and the geometric form of the balloon via ultrasound, CT and X-ray, related side effects, cosmetic outcome and patient quality of life. Results Twenty-three out of 32 patients (72%) were eligible for MammoSite ® intracavitary brachytherapy. Twenty-eight percentage had to be excluded because of different reasons. Eleven patients were treated with primary brachytherapy with a total dose of 34Gy (2×3.4Gy) and 12 had a boost with a mean dose of 13.3Gy (range: 7.5–15Gy; 2×2.5Gy) combined with EBRT and doses ranged between 46 and 50Gy. In three cases a balloon rupture occurred. We observed two abscesses within 3 months of implantation and serious seroma development in 10 patients (39%). Skin related side effects were erythema in 21 patients (91%), hyperpigmentation in 13 patients (56%) and teleangiectasia in six patients (26%) after mean follow-up 20 months. Conclusions The MammoSite ® Radiation Therapy System is a feasible treatment modality for intracavitary brachytherapy of breast cancer after breast conserving surgery. The advantage of the system is only one applicator is necessary for the delivery of a fractionated radiotherapy. In addition, patient tolerance of the procedure is high. Critical issues concern possible overdosages at the skin reflected by a high rate of late skin damage after only 20 months of follow-up time. The method could serve as an alternative to conventional multi-catheter brachytherapy for a selected group of patients.

A new multimodality treatment concept consisting of extended resection and postoperative fractionated intensity-modulated interstitial brachytherapy (IMBT) was introduced for pelvic recurrence of colorectal carcinoma. 46 patients received extended resection and single plastic tubes were sutured directly onto the tumor bed. IMBT was started within 2 weeks postoperatively with a median dose of 24.5 Gy (5–35 Gy). Patients were treated either with high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR; n = 23) or with pulsed-dose-rate brachytherapy (PDR; n = 23). 25 patients received complementary 45-Gy external-beam irradiation (EBRT) to the pelvic region after explanting the plastic tubes. Median follow-up was 20.6 months (7–107 months) and mean patient survival 25.7 ± 25.8 months (median 17, range 1–107 months). After 5 years overall survival, disease-free survival and local control rate were 23%, 20% and 33%, significantly influenced by the resectional state. There was a trend in favor of PDR compared to HDR, which reached statistical significance in patients who had not received additional EBRT. The combination of extended surgery and postoperative interstitial IMBT is feasible and offers effective interdisciplinary treatment of recurrent colorectal cancer. In this small and inhomogeneous cohort of patients PDR seems to be more effective than HDR, particularly when application of complementary EBRT is not possible. None of the patients who required resection of distant metastasis survived > 2 years in this study.