Purpose

Image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) improves outcomes in locally advanced cervical cancer, but remains resource- and time-intensive, particularly during treatment planning. This study evaluated the impact of automated IGABT treatment planning using a validated model (BiCycle) on workflow optimization and improved planning efficiency.

Material and methods

This study analyzed IGABT planning data collected from Institution 1 (India) and Institution 2 (the Netherlands) between January 2022 and July 2024. Intracavitary (IC) and intracavitary + interstitial (IC + IS)
implants planned with 3D CT/MRI imaging were employed. Once the target and organs at risk (OARs) were delineated and the applicator was reconstructed, manual and automated planning times (in minutes) for dwell time optimization and dwell time adjustment (fine-tuning) were compared. Mann-Whitney U test evaluated differences in median time. Time savings with automated brachytherapy planning were modelled as increased treatment capacity.

Results

Sixty-nine plans from both institutions were analyzed, consisting of 30 automated and 39 manual plans. The median time for dwell time position selection and optimization was 4.59 minutes (interquartile range [IQR]: 4.00-5.90) using automated planning, and 21 minutes (IQR: 12.00-30.00) using manual planning. The median time for treatment dwell time adjustment was 5 minutes (IQR: 3.46-8.50) using automated planning, and 15 minutes (IQR: 11.00-24.00) using manual planning. In high-volume centers treating up to four patients daily, automation could save as much as two hours daily and enhance treatment capacity by 25%.

Conclusions

Automating IGABT treatment planning significantly reduces planning time and improve efficiency.