A comparison between revised Manchester Point A and ICRU-89-recommended Point A definition absorbed-dose reporting using CT images in intracavitary brachytherapy for patients with cervical carcinoma.

PURPOSE: This study is a comparison between revised Manchester Point A and International Commission on Radiation Units and measurements (ICRU) 89 report-recommended Point A absorbed-dose reporting in intracavitary brachytherapy for patients with cervical carcinoma. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The retrospective dosimetric study is based on the data of 32 patients with cervical carcinoma treated with high-dose-rate brachytherapy. Patients received 21 Gy in three fractions (7.0 Gy X three fractions) to Point A (Aflange, revised Manchester definition). All the patients were replanned with a new Point A (Aicru89) defined on CT images as per the American Brachytherapy Society/ICRU-89. The data collected were compared with the data obtained from Point A (Aflange). RESULTS: When using the Aflange plan normalization method, the mean dose of 0.1 cc, 1 cc, and 2 cc bladder volumes was 820.79 ± 207.47 cGy, 654.66 ± 152.69 cGy, and 588.91 ± 136.35 cGy, respectively. Likewise, when using the ICRU-89 Point Aicru89 normalization method, the mean dose of 0.1 cc, 1 cc, and 2 cc bladder volumes was 869.30 ± 224.67 cGy, 693.24 ± 166.20 cGy, and 616.61 ± 150.32 cGy, respectively. For the rectum, Point Aflange normalization plans, the mean dose of 0.1 cc, 1 cc, and 2 cc volumes was 589.37 ± 163.26 cGy, 487.51 ± 126.03 cGy, and 442.70 ± 111.43 cGy, respectively. Likewise, using the Aicru89 plan, the mean 0.1 cc, 1 cc, and 2 cc rectum volume was 625.07 ± 171.31 cGy, 517.50 ± 131.05 cGy, 464.94 ± 121.81 cGy, respectively. The statistical mean difference of Total Reference Air Kerma rate, V100 (cc), bladder, rectum and sigmoid, was found significant. CONCLUSIONS: It has been found that the position of revised Manchester (Aflange) and ICRU-89 Point A does not match on CT images/radiograph, which resulted in variation in doses to the tumor, V100 (cc), organ at risk, and Total Reference Air Kerma.