eISSN: 2081-2841
ISSN: 1689-832X
Journal of Contemporary Brachytherapy
Current Issue Archive Supplements Articles in Press Journal Information Aims and Scope Editorial Office Editorial Board Register as Author Register as Reviewer Instructions for Authors Abstracting and indexing Subscription Advertising Information Links
Editorial System
Submit your Manuscript
SCImago Journal & Country Rank

5/2015
vol. 7
 
Share:
Share:
abstract:
Original paper

A pilot study of ultrasound-guided electronic brachytherapy for skin cancer

Uma Goyal
,
Yongbok Kim
,
Hina Arif Tiwari
,
Russell Witte
,
Baldassarre Stea

J Contemp Brachytherapy 2015; 7, 5: 374-380
Online publish date: 2015/10/30
View full text Get citation
 
Purpose: Electronic brachytherapy (eBT) has gained acceptance over the past 5 years for the treatment of non-melanomatous skin cancer (NMSC). Although the prescription depth and radial margins can be chosen using clinical judgment based on visual and biopsy-derived information, we sought a more objective modality of measurement for eBT planning by using ultrasound (US) to measure superficial (< 5 mm depth) lesions.

Material and methods: From December 2013 to April 2015, 19 patients with 23 pathologically proven NMSCs underwent a clinical examination and US evaluation of the lesions prior to initiating a course of eBT. Twenty lesions were basal cell carcinoma and 3 lesions were squamous cell carcinoma. The most common location was the nose (10 lesions). A 14 or 18 MHz US unit was used by an experienced radiologist to determine depth and lateral extension of lesions. The US-measured depth was then used to define prescription depth for eBT planning without an added margin. A margin of 7 mm was added radially to the US lateral extent measurements, and an appropriate cone applicator size was chosen to cover the target volume.

Results: The mean depth of the lesions was 2.1 mm with a range of 1-3.4 mm, and the mean largest diameter of the lesions was 8 mm with a range of 2.6-20 mm. Dose ranged from 32-50 Gy in 8-20 fractions with a median dose of 40 Gy in 10 fractions. All patients had a complete response and no failures have occurred with a median follow-up of 12 months (range of 6-22 months). Also, no prolonged skin toxicities have occurred.

Conclusions: A routinely available radiological US unit can objectively determine depth and lateral extension of NMSC lesions for more accurate eBT treatment planning, and should be considered in future eBT treatment guidelines.
keywords:

electronic brachytherapy, skin cancer, ultrasound

 
Quick links
© 2024 Termedia Sp. z o.o.
Developed by Bentus.