CT-assisted transbronchial brachytherapy for small peripheral lung cancer

Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2000 Feb;30(2):109-12. doi: 10.1093/jjco/hyd020.

Abstract

Transbronchial brachytherapy for small peripheral lung cancer was developed with the use of the CT-guided bronchoscopy technique. Under CT guidance, an applicator carrying a dummy source was introduced into a lesion and stabilized. A radioactive source was then delivered through the applicator using a high dose rate remote afterloading system. For multiple radiation fractions, a marker was placed immediately under the pleura in a peripheral bronchus penetrating the lesion using the CT-guided barium marking technique. During brachytherapy, an applicator with a dummy source was inserted under fluoroscopic guidance up to the marker. A radioactive source was subsequently delivered. CT-assisted transbronchial brachytherapy allows radiation to be delivered from inside a lesion. This minimizes radiation damage to noncancerous tissue and offers distinct advantages over conventional radiation techniques.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma / radiotherapy*
  • Brachytherapy / methods*
  • Bronchi
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / radiotherapy*
  • Dose Fractionation, Radiation
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*