PURPOSE To assess the feasibility of applying trans-applicator intracavitary ultrasonography to image-guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS For this experiment, a phantom was created and included a polyethylene tube, intended to simulate a tandem applicator, which was inserted into chicken meat and embedded in agar, along with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatib...

Hyperthermia is an experimental/adjuvant therapeutic modality for cancer. Combining hyperthermia with the non-invasive metabolic studies using magnetic resonance (MR) is an interesting area of research and can provide useful information. In this paper, feasibility of using the same radio frequency source for carrying out combined hyperthermia and MR studies is demonstrated. A conventional RF hy...

PURPOSE To describe the potential clinical use of a new brachytherapy applicator for gynecological tumors, with special attention to locally advanced cervical carcinoma. This device allows the combination of intracavitary radiotherapy and MRI-compatible transperineal interstitial needles. The design of this template addresses the disadvantages of currently commercially available templates: the ...

PURPOSE In this study, we present the clinical implementation of a novel transoral balloon centering esophageal applicator (BCEA) and the initial clinical experience in high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy treatment of esophageal cancer, using this applicator. MATERIAL AND METHODS Acceptance testing and commissioning of the BCEA were performed prior to clinical use. Full performance testing was...

PURPOSE To calculate the output factor (OPF) of any irregularly shaped electron beam at extended SSD. METHODS Circular cutouts were prepared from 2.0 cm diameter to the maximum possible size for 15 × 15 applicator cone. In addition, two irregular cutouts were prepared. For each cutout, percentage depth dose (PDD) at the standard SSD and doses at different SSD values were measured using 6, 9, ...

Certain brachytherapy dose distributions, such as those for LDR prostate implants, are readily modeled by treatment planning systems (TPS) that use the superposition principle of individual seed dose distributions to calculate the total dose distribution. However, dose distributions for brachytherapy treatments using high-Z shields or having significant material heterogeneities are not currentl...

Presently, resin composites are indispensable for dental restorative treatment because of their favorable esthetic and mechanical properties. In particular, the adhesion of resin composites to dentin has been rapidly improved by progress resin adhesive systems. Of late, resin restorative procedures have been simplified with the development of adhesive systems with fewer processing steps. One of...