Background and purpose: Magnetic resonance image (MRI)-guided prostate brachytherapy with a conventional closed MR scanner is hampered by the limited access to the prostate. To handle this problem, we have designed a new implantation method, based on a patient lying in a closed MR scanner, a robotic device to be placed between patient's legs, and one needle with one insertion point.
Materials and methods: The MRI-guided robotic system inserts the needle into the prostate to deliver the seeds. Each time, the needle will be retracted to the rotation point (in the body), and the insertion angle can be changed. The possible angles of the needle are limited by the geometry of the closed MR scanner and the presence of the symphysis, rectum and urethra. We have done a planning study to investigate the feasibility of this single needle method.
Results: The treatment plans made with the single needle method showed the possibility to cover the prostate with the prescribed dose without piercing the urethra or rectum and without pubic bone interference. The plans were comparable to the plans made for the multi parallel needle method, and the 144Gy isodose enclosed the prostate with a margin of about 2 mm. The planned angles of the needle were within the range of possible angles.
Conclusions: This planning study has shown the feasibility of adequate prostate coverage with the divergent single needle method within the limited space inside the closed MR scanner.