Brachytherapy RSS feed: Current Issue. Brachytherapy is an international and multidisciplinary journal that publishes original peer-reviewed articles and selected reviews on the techniques and clinical applications of interstitial and intracavitary radiation in the management of cancers. Laboratory and experimental research relevant to clinical practice is also included. Related disciplines include medical physics, medical oncology, and radiation oncology and radiology. Brachytherapy publishes technical advances, original articles, reviews, and point/counterpoint on controversial issues. Original articles that address any aspect of brachytherapy are invited. Letters to the Editor-in-Chief are encouraged. http://www.brachyjournal.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2012 American Brachytherapy Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Brachytherapy1538-4721111January 2012 © 2012 American Brachytherapy Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.brachyjournal.com/article/PIIS1538472111004363/abstract?rss=yes Nearly a year ago, a woman in her late 70s from central Illinois was admitted to the hospital with severe shortness of breath and a recent lung biopsy showing lung cancer. As the story is told in the Springfield Journal Register, it was thought that her prognosis was very poor so it was recommended that life support measures be stopped in favor of letting nature take its course. Inconsistent with the presumed diagnosis of end-stage lung cancer was the significant abdominal bloating the patient had. Through force of personality and the conviction to do what was right, one physician persisted against the consensus and ultimately “cured” the patient using classical medical intuition to relieve the intestinal obstruction and associated respiratory distress caused by Ogilvie’s syndrome. The patient gradually regained consciousness and recovered in large part because the patient’s son had maintained faith in Thomas Shanahan’s judgment.Thomas Shanahan, MDBrian J. Davis, Shiro Saito, Takushi Dokiya, Hidetoshi Yamanaka10.1016/j.brachy.2011.12.005Brachytherapy 11, 1 (2012)2012-01-01Brachytherapy2012-01-01111S1538-4721(12)X0002-3In Memoriam12http://www.brachyjournal.com/article/PIIS1538472111004387/abstract?rss=yesThe New Year brings us not only to a new volume for Brachytherapy, but also marks the beginning of our second decade. The journal came into being 10 years ago and since then much has been accomplished. The quality of our published articles has been most impressive. In less than 4 years from our inception we became “medlined,” a rare feat on a first attempt. Brachytherapy was so very well received by the National Libraries of Medicine that the Journal was put onto PubMed retroactively back to volume 1, issue 1—another very rare achievement! Soon thereafter, we were assigned an impact factor, which has steadily gone up. Brachytherapy is recognized worldwide as the leading journal dedicated to Brachytherapy in the treatment of human cancers. Brachytherapy is based in New York City, yet our talented, interdisciplinary colleagues’ expertise spans Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America, by significant participation on the Journal’s Board, representing radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and the continuing publication of articles from an international array of authors.Perspectives for 2012 from the Editor-in-ChiefMichael J. Zelefsky10.1016/j.brachy.2011.12.007Brachytherapy 11, 1 (2012)2012-01-01Brachytherapy2012-01-01111S1538-4721(12)X0002-3Editorials33http://www.brachyjournal.com/article/PIIS1538472111004375/abstract?rss=yesQueen Elizabeth II called 1992, an “annus horribilis” or terrible year for the Royal Family. For the brachytherapy world, 2009 was our horrible year. It was on June 30, 2009 that events at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center were made public by the New York Times (“At V.A. Hospital, a Rogue Cancer Unit” by Walt Bogdanich). The impact from these events continues to reverberate throughout our specialty and community. As has been well documented by the Department of Veteran Affairs Office of the Inspector General, problems identified by the government included using the wrong strength seeds, no postimplant dosimetry, no peer review, and no quality assessments .ABS brachytherapy consensus guidelinesEric M. Horwitz10.1016/j.brachy.2011.12.006Brachytherapy 11, 1 (2012)2012-01-01Brachytherapy2012-01-01111S1538-4721(12)X0002-3Editorials45http://www.brachyjournal.com/article/PIIS1538472111003552/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Purpose: To provide updated American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) guidelines for transrectal ultrasound-guided transperineal interstitial permanent prostate brachytherapy (PPB).Methods and Materials: The ABS formed a committee of brachytherapists and researchers experienced in the clinical practice of PPB to formulate updated guidelines for this technique. Sources of input for these guidelines included prior published guidelines, clinical trials, published literature, and experience of the committee. The recommendations of the committee were reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors of the ABS.Results: Patients with high probability of organ-confined disease or limited extraprostatic extension are considered appropriate candidates for PPB monotherapy. Low-risk patients may be treated with PPB alone without the need for supplemental external beam radiotherapy. High-risk patients should receive supplemental external beam radiotherapy if PPB is used. Intermediate-risk patients should be considered on an individual case basis. Intermediate-risk patients with favorable features may appropriately be treated with PPB monotherapy but results from confirmatory clinical trials are pending. Computed tomography–based postimplant dosimetry performed within 60 days of the implant is considered essential for maintenance of a satisfactory quality assurance program. Postimplant computed tomography–magnetic resonance image fusion is viewed as useful, but not mandatory.Conclusions: Updated guidelines for patient selection, workup, treatment, postimplant dosimetry, and followup are provided. These recommendations are intended to be advisory in nature with the ultimate responsibility for the care of the patients resting with the treating physicians.American Brachytherapy Society consensus guidelines for transrectal ultrasound-guided permanent prostate brachytherapyBrian J. Davis, Eric M. Horwitz, W. Robert Lee, Juanita M. Crook, Richard G. Stock, Gregory S. Merrick, Wayne M. Butler, Peter D. Grimm, Nelson N. Stone, Louis Potters, Anthony L. Zietman, Michael J. Zelefsky10.1016/j.brachy.2011.07.005Brachytherapy 11, 1 (2012)2012-01-01Brachytherapy2012-01-01111S1538-4721(12)X0002-3619http://www.brachyjournal.com/article/PIIS1538472111004004/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Purpose: A well-established body of literature supports the use of high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy as definitive treatment for localized prostate cancer. Most of the articles describe HDR as a boost with adjuvant external beam radiation, but there is a growing experience with HDR monotherapy.Methods and Materials: The American Brachytherapy Society has convened a group of expert practitioners and physicists to develop guidelines for the use of HDR in the management of prostate cancer. This involved an extensive literature review and input from an expert panel.Results: Despite a wide variation in doses and fractionation reported, HDR brachytherapy provides biochemical control rates of 85–100%, 81–100%, and 43–93% for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk prostate cancers, respectively. Severe toxicity is rare, with most authors reporting less than 5% Grade 3 or higher toxicity. Careful attention to patient evaluation for appropriate patient selection, meticulous technique, treatment planning, and delivery are essential for successful treatment.Conclusion: The clinical outcomes for HDR are excellent, with high rates of biochemical control, even for high-risk disease, with low morbidity. HDR monotherapy, both for primary treatment and salvage, are promising treatment modalities.American Brachytherapy Society consensus guidelines for high-dose-rate prostate brachytherapyYoshiya Yamada, Leland Rogers, D. Jeffrey Demanes, Gerard Morton, Bradley R. Prestidge, Jean Pouliot, Gil'ad N. Cohen, Marco Zaider, Mihai Ghilezan, I-Chow Hsu10.1016/j.brachy.2011.09.008Brachytherapy 11, 1 (2012)2012-01-01Brachytherapy2012-01-01111S1538-4721(12)X0002-32032http://www.brachyjournal.com/article/PIIS1538472111003527/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Purpose: To develop brachytherapy recommendations covering aspects of pretreatment evaluation, treatment, and dosimetric issues for locally advanced cervical cancer.Methods: Members of the American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) with expertise in cervical cancer brachytherapy formulated updated recommendations for locally advanced (Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Stages IB2–IVA) cervical cancer based on literature review and clinical experience.Results: The ABS recommends the use of brachytherapy as a component of the definitive treatment of locally advanced cervical carcinoma. Precise applicator placement is necessary to maximize the probability of achieving local control without major side effects. The ABS recommends a cumulative delivered dose of approximately 80–90Gy for definitive treatment. The dose delivered to point A should be reported for all brachytherapy applications regardless of treatment-planning technique. The ABS also recommends adoption of the Groupe Européen Curiethérapie-European Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (GEC-ESTRO) guidelines for contouring, image-based treatment planning, and dose reporting. Interstitial brachytherapy may be considered for a small proportion of patients whose disease cannot be adequately encompassed by intracavitary application. It should be performed by practitioners with special expertise in these procedures.Conclusions: Updated ABS recommendations are provided for brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer. Practitioners and cooperative groups are encouraged to use these recommendations to formulate their clinical practices and to adopt dose-reporting policies that are critical for outcome analysis.American Brachytherapy Society consensus guidelines for locally advanced carcinoma of the cervix. Part I: General principlesAkila N. Viswanathan, Bruce Thomadsen, American Brachytherapy Society Cervical Cancer Recommendations Committee10.1016/j.brachy.2011.07.003Brachytherapy 11, 1 (2012)2012-01-01Brachytherapy2012-01-01111S1538-4721(12)X0002-33346http://www.brachyjournal.com/article/PIIS1538472111003515/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Purpose: This report presents an update to the American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy guidelines for locally advanced cervical cancer.Methods: Members of the ABS with expertise in cervical cancer formulated updated guidelines for HDR brachytherapy using tandem and ring, ovoids, cylinder, or interstitial applicators for locally advanced cervical cancer. These guidelines were written based on medical evidence in the literature and input of clinical experts in gynecologic brachytherapy.Results: The ABS affirms the essential curative role of tandem-based brachytherapy in the management of locally advanced cervical cancer. Proper applicator selection, insertion, and imaging are fundamental aspects of the procedure. Three-dimensional imaging with magnetic resonance or computed tomography or radiographic imaging may be used for treatment planning. Dosimetry must be performed after each insertion before treatment delivery. Applicator placement, dose specification, and dose fractionation must be documented, quality assurance measures must be performed, and followup information must be obtained. A variety of dose/fractionation schedules and methods for integrating brachytherapy with external-beam radiation exist. The recommended tumor dose in 2-Gray (Gy) per fraction radiobiologic equivalence (normalized therapy dose) is 80–90Gy, depending on tumor size at the time of brachytherapy. Dose limits for normal tissues are discussed.Conclusion: These guidelines update those of 2000 and provide a comprehensive description of HDR cervical cancer brachytherapy in 2011.American Brachytherapy Society consensus guidelines for locally advanced carcinoma of the cervix. Part II: High-dose-rate brachytherapyAkila N. Viswanathan, Sushil Beriwal, Jennifer F. De Los Santos, D. Jeffrey Demanes, David Gaffney, Jorgen Hansen, Ellen Jones, Christian Kirisits, Bruce Thomadsen, Beth Erickson10.1016/j.brachy.2011.07.002Brachytherapy 11, 1 (2012)2012-01-01Brachytherapy2012-01-01111S1538-4721(12)X0002-34752http://www.brachyjournal.com/article/PIIS1538472111003503/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Purpose: To develop a guideline for quality practice of low-dose-rate (LDR) and pulsed-dose-rate (PDR) brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer.Methods: Members of the American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) with expertise in cervical cancer brachytherapy formulated updated guidelines for LDR and PDR brachytherapy for locally advanced (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO] Stages IB2–IVA) cervical cancer based on literature review and clinical experience.Results: The ABS strongly recommends the use of brachytherapy as a component of the definitive treatment of locally advanced cervical carcinoma. Precise applicator placement is necessary to maximize the probability of achieving local control without major side effects. The ABS recommends a cumulative delivered dose of approximately 80–90Gy for definitive treatment. Dosimetry must be performed after each insertion before treatment delivery. The dose delivered to point A should be reported for all intracavitary brachytherapy applications regardless of treatment planning technique. The ABS also recommends adoption of the Groupe Européen de Curiethérapie-European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology guidelines for contouring, image-based treatment planning and dose reporting. Interstitial brachytherapy may be considered for a small proportion of patients whose disease cannot be adequately encompassed by intracavitary application and should be performed by practitioners with special expertise in these procedures. Quality management measures must be performed, and follow-up information should also be obtained.Conclusions: Updated ABS guidelines are provided for LDR and PDR brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer. Practitioners and cooperative groups are encouraged to use these guidelines to formulate their clinical practices and to adopt dose-reporting policies that are critical for outcome analysis.American Brachytherapy Society consensus guidelines for locally advanced carcinoma of the cervix. Part III: Low-dose-rate and pulsed-dose-rate brachytherapyLarissa J. Lee, Indra J. Das, Susan A. Higgins, Anuja Jhingran, William Small, Bruce Thomadsen, Akila N. Viswanathan, Aaron Wolfson, Patricia Eifel10.1016/j.brachy.2011.07.001Brachytherapy 11, 1 (2012)2012-01-01Brachytherapy2012-01-01111S1538-4721(12)X0002-35357http://www.brachyjournal.com/article/PIIS1538472111003874/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Purpose: To develop recommendations for the use of adjuvant vaginal cuff brachytherapy after hysterectomy and update previous American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) guidelines.Methods and Materials: A panel of members of the ABS performed a literature review, supplemented their clinical experience, and formulated recommendations for adjuvant vaginal cuff brachytherapy.Results: The ABS endorses the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for indications for radiation therapy for patients with endometrial cancer and cervical cancer and the guidelines on quality assurance of the American Association on Physicists in Medicine. The ABS made specific recommendations for applicator selection, insertion techniques, target volume definition, dose fractionation, and specifications for postoperative adjuvant vaginal cuff therapy. The ABS recommends that applicator selection should be based on patient anatomy, target volume geometry, and physician judgment. The dose prescription point should be clearly specified. Suggested doses were tabulated for treatment with brachytherapy alone, and in combination with external beam radiation therapy, when applicable. A properly fitted brachytherapy applicator should be selected that conforms to the vaginal apex and achieves mucosal contact with optimal tumor and normal tissue dosimetry. Dose prescription points may be individually selected but doses should be reported at the vaginal surface and at 0.5-cm depth.Conclusions: Recommendations are made for adjuvant vaginal cuff brachytherapy. Practitioners and cooperative groups are encouraged to use these recommendations to formulate their treatment and dose reporting policies. These recommendations will permit meaningful comparisons of reports from different institutions and lead to better and more appropriate use of vaginal brachytherapy.American Brachytherapy Society consensus guidelines for adjuvant vaginal cuff brachytherapy after hysterectomyWilliam Small, Sushil Beriwal, D. Jeffrey Demanes, Kathryn E. Dusenbery, Patricia Eifel, Beth Erickson, Ellen Jones, Jason J. Rownd, Jennifer F. De Los Santos, Akila N. Viswanathan, David Gaffney10.1016/j.brachy.2011.08.005Brachytherapy 11, 1 (2012)2012-01-01Brachytherapy2012-01-01111S1538-4721(12)X0002-35867http://www.brachyjournal.com/article/PIIS1538472111003497/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Purpose: To present recommendations for the use of interstitial brachytherapy in patients with vaginal cancer or recurrent endometrial cancer in the vagina.Methods: A panel of members of the American Brachytherapy Society reviewed the literature, supplemented that with their clinical experience, and formulated recommendations for interstitial brachytherapy for primary or recurrent cancers in the vagina.Results: Patients with bulky disease (approximately >0.5cm thick) should be considered for treatment with interstitial brachytherapy. The American Brachytherapy Society reports specific recommendations for techniques, target volume definition, and dose–fractionation schemes. Three-dimensional treatment planning is recommended with CT scan and/or MRI. The treatment plan should be optimized to conform to the clinical target volume and should reduce the dose to critical organs, including the rectum, bladder, urethra, and sigmoid colon. Suggested doses in combination with external beam radiation therapy and summated equivalent doses in 2Gy fractions are tabulated.Conclusion: Recommendations are made for interstitial brachytherapy for vaginal cancer and recurrent disease in the vagina. Practitioners and cooperative groups are encouraged to use these recommendations to formulate treatment and dose-reporting policies. Such a process will result in meaningful outcome comparisons, promote technical advances, and lead to appropriate utilization of these techniques.American Brachytherapy Society consensus guidelines for interstitial brachytherapy for vaginal cancerSushil Beriwal, D. Jeffrey Demanes, Beth Erickson, Ellen Jones, Jennifer F. De Los Santos, Robert A. Cormack, Catheryn Yashar, Jason J. Rownd, Akila N. Viswanathan10.1016/j.brachy.2011.06.008Brachytherapy 11, 1 (2012)2012-01-01Brachytherapy2012-01-01111S1538-4721(12)X0002-36875http://www.brachyjournal.com/article/PIIS1538472112000050/abstract?rss=yesMasthead10.1016/S1538-4721(12)00005-0Brachytherapy 11, 1 (2012)2012-01-01Brachytherapy2012-01-01111S1538-4721(12)X0002-3FrontmatterA1A1http://www.brachyjournal.com/article/PIIS1538472112000062/abstract?rss=yesTable of Contents10.1016/S1538-4721(12)00006-2Brachytherapy 11, 1 (2012)2012-01-01Brachytherapy2012-01-01111S1538-4721(12)X0002-3FrontmatterA3A3http://www.brachyjournal.com/article/PIIS1538472112000049/abstract?rss=yesEditorial Board10.1016/S1538-4721(12)00004-9Brachytherapy 11, 1 (2012)2012-01-01Brachytherapy2012-01-01111S1538-4721(12)X0002-3FrontmatterA4A4http://www.brachyjournal.com/article/PIIS1538472112000074/abstract?rss=yesGuide for Authors10.1016/S1538-4721(12)00007-4Brachytherapy 11, 1 (2012)2012-01-01Brachytherapy2012-01-01111S1538-4721(12)X0002-3FrontmatterA6A6