Plaque brachytherapy – Radiating positivity

Background: Plaque brachytherapy is an evolving, yet effective globe and vision-sparing modality for the treatment of intraocular tumors by transscleral irradiation of the tumor base with a radioactive implant. The American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) along with the collaboration of the international multicenter Ophthalmic Oncology Task Force (OOTF) was assembled to reach a consensus regarding establishing practice guidelines and setting standards of care for intraocular tumors. The advent of plaque brachytherapy has revolutionized the outcomes of intraocular tumors, thus ensuring globe salvage, reducing morbidity and mortality, and avoiding cosmetic disfigurement. A well-planned dosimetry for plaque brachytherapy results in achieving local tumor control and excellent prognosis. Purpose: This technique provides the advantage of focal radiation, thus eliminating the damage to the adjacent structures, minimal periorbital tissue damage, absence of cosmetic disfigurement owing to lack of retarded bone growth as seen in external beam radiotherapy. Thus, it reduces the risk of metastasis, and with the recent advances, it provides a shorter duration of treatment. Synopsis: In this video, we shall display the concept of plaque brachytherapy, the various types of plaques available, different radiations sources, planning dosimetry and calculations, target disease spectrum, surgical placement, and post-radiation outcomes in terms of local tumor control and prognosis. Highlights: This video highlights the history, basic principles and techniques of plaque brachytherapy and provides an understanding of its applications in the world of ocular oncology.

Evaluación de los puntos "A" como parámetro dosimétrico en braquiterapia ginecológica guiados por imágenes tridimensionales

Objetivos: se evaluó si la técnica de prescripción de dosis puntual, punto "A", es adecuada para la estimación de dosis en el volumen de tratamiento clínico por alta tasa de dosis (CTV-HR), usando la braquiterapia ginecológica 3D. Métodos: se recopiló planes de tratamiento para 35 pacientes con cáncer cervicouterino estadio IB2-IVA (140 fracciones o planes de tratamiento) tratados entre los años 2019 al 2021, cuya dosis prescrita fue de 28 Gy en 4 fracciones. Se reconstruyeron los puntos "A", se normalizó la dosis prescrita a la isodosis del 100% para comparar con las dosis en CTV-HR (D90%). Resultados: el promedio de la dosis absorbida al CTV- HR (D90%) fue de 88,82 ± 2,53 Gy y al normalizar la isodosis del 100% al punto "A", se obtuvo dosis promedio en CTV-HR (D90%) de 99,3±5,85Gy. Esta variación de dosis promedio al CTV-HR (D90%) representó un incremento del 18%, dando como resultado que un 80% de los tratamientos correspondiente a 28 pacientes queden fuera de la variación aceptable del protocolo EMBRACE II y solo un 20% de los tratamientos correspondientes a 7 pacientes se encuentren dentro del rango de la variación aceptable del protocolo en mención. Conclusiones: la técnica de prescripción de dosis al punto "A", se traduce clínicamente en una sobredosis del tejido tumoral y sano (recto, sigmoide, vejiga e intestino).

Objective: to assess whether the punctual dose prescription technique, point A, is adequate for dose estimation in CTV-HR using 3D gynecological brachytherapy. Methods: treatment plans were collected for 35 patients with stage IB2-IVA (140 fractions or treatment plans) cervical cancer treated between 2019 and 2021, whose prescribed dose was 28Gy in 4 fractions. Points A were reconstructed, the prescribed dose was normalized to 100% isodose to compare with the doses in CTV- HR(D90%). Results: the average dose absorbed at CTV-HR(D90%) was 88.82 ±2.53 Gy and when normalizing the isodose of 100% at point A, average dose at CTV-HR(D90%) was obtained. of 99.3±5.85Gy. This average dose variation to the CTV-HR(D90%) represented an increase of 18%, resulting in 80% of the treatments corresponding to 28 patients falling outside the acceptable variation of the EMBRACE II protocol and only 20% of the treatments corresponding to 7 patients are within the range of the acceptable variation of the protocol in question. Conclusions: the dose prescription technique at point A clinically translates into an overdose of tumor and healthy tissue (rectum, sigmoid, bladder and intestine).

Validity study of educational technology on gynecological high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy / Estudio de validación de tecnología educativa sobre braquiterapia ginecológica de alta tasa de dosis (HDR) / Estudo de validação de tecnologia educativa sobre braquiterapia ginecológica de alta taxa de dose (HDR)

ABSTRACT Objective: to construct and validate an educational booklet on high dose rate gynecological brachytherapy (HDR) for women with gynecologic cancer. Methods: a methodological study, with the construction and validity of a booklet based on the Doak, Doak and Root theoretical-methodological framework. Content and appearance validity was guided by the Delphi technique, by 11 judges, selected using Jasper's criteria. Afterwards, clinical validity was carried out with the target population. Results: the booklet, built from evidence from an integrative review, validated with judges, obtained an overall CVI of 0.98. After clinical validity with 27 women, it presents 24 sheets with illustrations produced by a graphic designer, subdivided into topics: gynecological system anatomy and gynecological cancer epidemiology, gynecological brachytherapy definition, therapeutic steps, approach to side effects and management, and two pages for notes. Conclusions: the booklet has validity for use in HDR gynecological brachytherapy treatment.

RESUMEN Objetivo: construir y validar un folleto educativo sobre braquiterapia ginecológica de alta tasa de dosis (radiación de alta dosis-HDR) para mujeres con cáncer ginecológico. Métodos: estudio metodológico, con la construcción y validación de un cuadernillo basado en el marco teórico-metodológico de Doak, Doak y Root. La validación de contenido y apariencia fue guiada por la técnica Delphi, por 11 jueces, seleccionados según los criterios de Jasper. Posteriormente se realizó la validación clínica con la población diana. Resultados: la cartilla, construida a partir de evidencias de revisión integradora, validada con jueces, obtuvo un IVC global de 0,98. Después de la validación clínica con 27 mujeres, presenta 24 fichas, con ilustraciones realizadas por un diseñador gráfico, subdivididas en temas: anatomía del sistema ginecológico y epidemiología de los cánceres ginecológicos, definición de braquiterapia ginecológica, pasos terapéuticos, abordaje de los efectos secundarios y manejo, y dos páginas para notas. Conclusiones: la cartilla tiene validación para su uso en el tratamiento de braquiterapia ginecológica de la HDR.

RESUMO Objetivo: construir e validar uma cartilha educativa sobre braquiterapia ginecológica de alta taxa de dose (high dose radiation-HDR) para mulheres com câncer ginecológico. Métodos: estudo metodológico, com construção e validação de uma cartilha embasada no referencial teórico-metodológico de Doak, Doak e Root. A validação de conteúdo e aparência norteou-se pela técnica Delphi, por 11 juízes, selecionados através dos critérios de Jasper. Após, realizou-se a validação clínica com a população-alvo. Resultados: a cartilha, construída a partir de evidências de uma revisão integrativa, validada com juízes, obteve IVC global de 0,98. Após validação clínica com 27 mulheres, apresenta 24 folhas, com ilustrações produzidas por designer gráfico, subdividida em tópicos: anatomia do sistema ginecológico e epidemiologia dos cânceres ginecológicos, definição de braquiterapia ginecológica, etapas terapêuticas, abordagem dos efeitos colaterais e manejo, e duas páginas destinadas para anotações. Conclusões: a cartilha possui validação para uso no tratamento de braquiterapia ginecológica de HDR.

Effect of dwell time deviation constraint on the three-dimensional brachytherapy plans for cervical cancer / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of dwell time deviation constraint of inverse optimization on the quality and position error robustness of three-dimensional (3D) brachytherapy plans for cervical cancer.Methods:A total of 20 patients with cervical cancer receiving 3D brachytherapy treatment in Xiangya Hospital Central South University from August 2020 to August 2021 were retrospectively selected. All plans were designed using the Eclipse treatment planning system, and the dwell time deviation constraint parameter smooth value in the system were set to 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00, respectively. An inverse dose volume optimization algorithm was used to generate plans with various smooth values, and the optimization conditions were the same as the original clinical plans. Key dosimetric metrics and total dwell time differences were comparatively analyzed. The applicators were intentionally subjected to position errors (0.2-1.0 cm) in 6 directions (left-right, anterior-posterior, head-foot), and the effect of various smooth values on plan quality and robustness was assessed. There were 133 plans per case and 2 660 plans for 20 patients. The results were statistically analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank nonparametric test.Results:As the smooth value was increased, the modulation factor was gradually decreased and the D 2 cm3 of the bladder and rectum was increased. Plans with smooth values of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00 had modulation factors of 0.72±0.09, 0.63±0.08, 0.55±0.08, 0.51±0.06, respectively, lower than 0.75±0.05 of the plan with the smooth value of 0.00, and all differences were statistically significant ( P=0.004, 0.002, 0.002, 0.002). The bladder D 2 cm3 of plans with smooth values of 0.50, 0.75, 1.00 were (475.4±41.0) cGy, (483.7±46.2) cGy, and (489.0±46.8) cGy, respectively, higher than (469.8±41.8) cGy of the plan with the smooth value of 0.00, with statistically significant differences (all P=0.002). The rectum D 2 cm3 of plans with smooth values of 0.50 and 0.75 plans were (413.2±93.3) cGy and (418.6±96.4) cGy, both higher than (410.2±91.5) cGy of the plan with the smooth value of 0.00, with statistically significant differences ( P=0.006, 0.010). When positional errors were introduced, the high risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) D 90% was close for different smooth plans at most positional errors, and the differences were not statistically significant. The organs at risk D 2 cm3 of plans with the smooth value of 0.00 was lower than those of plans with other smooth values, and for the bladder and rectum, the differences were statistically significant at most positional errors (all P<0.01). Conclusions:The dwell time deviation constraint parameter exerts significant effect on the plan quality, and the smaller the value of the constraint parameter, the higher quality of the plan. The dwell time deviation constraint parameter has slight impact on the positional error robustness of dosimetric indices of targets and key organs at risk.

Meta-analysis of the efficacy and adverse reactions of fractionated high dose rate brachytherapy as monotherapy for localized prostate cancer / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To conduct a meta-analysis to analyze the efficacy and adverse reactions of fractionated high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) as monotherapy for localized prostate cancer.Methods:Relevant databases were searched to collect the clinical trials on HDR-BT as monotherapy in patients with localized prostate cancer. Included studies were limited to full-text publications of fractionated HDR-BT as monotherapy with a median follow-up of at least 5 years, and adequate reporting of treatment outcomes and adverse reactions data. Stata 12.0 was used for data analysis.Results:According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 11 clinical trials involving 2 683 patients with prostate cancer were included in this meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis showed that 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival (bRFS) rate and overall survival (OS) rate were 94% (95% CI: 93% - 96%) and 96% (95% CI: 94% - 98%), respectively. Long-term (≥5 years) cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rate were 99% (95% CI: 98% - 100%) and 98% (95% CI: 98% - 99%), respectively. Long-term (≥5 years) late grade ≥3 grade gastrointestinal and genitourinary adverse reactions rates were 2% (95% CI: 1% - 3%) and 9% (95% CI: 6% - 13%), respectively. Conclusions:Fractionated HDR-BT as monotherapy is an effective treatment for patients with localized prostate cancer. Its long-term efficacy is encouraging, and the treatment is well tolerated and safe.

Research progress on the application of hydrogel spacer in brachytherapy for gynecological tumors / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Radiotherapy is an important treatment of gynecological tumors. Although novel techniques or measures in recemy years have improved the tumor control rate and reduced radiation toxicity, radiation toxicity remains a major problem due to the location of some key organs adjacent to the tumor. A new material-hydrogel, as an organ spacer, provides a new method to reduce the radiotherapy toxicity. In this article, the application of hydrogel as an organ spacer in brachytherapy for gynecological tumors was reviewed from the aspects of hydrogel characteristics, suitable population, mode of injection, interval distance and dose effect, clinical benefits and cost effectiveness, etc.

Dosimetric analysis of the optimization algorithm for intracavitary/interstitial brachytherapy of cervical cancer / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To provide a basis for selecting the optimization method for intracavitary/interstitial brachytherapy (IC/ISBT) of cervical cancer by comparing graphical optimization (GO), inverse planning simulated annealing (IPSA), and hybrid inverse planning optimization (HIPO) using dosimetric and radiobiological models.Methods:This study selected 65 patients with cervical cancer who were treated with image-guided IC/ISBT. The afterloading therapy plans for these patients were optimized using GO, IPSA, and HIPO individually, with a prescription dose high-risk clinical target volume (HRCTV) D90 of 6 Gy. The non-parametric Friedman test and the non-parametric Wilcoxon rank test were employed to analyze the differences in duration, dose-volume parameters, and radiobiology between the three types of optimized plans. Results:Inverse planning optimization (IPSA: 46.53 s; HIPO: 98.36 s) took less time than GO (135.03 s). In terms of gross target volume (GTV) dose, the high-dose irradiation V150% (53.66%) was slightly higher in the HIPO-optimized plans, while the V200% (30.29%) was higher in the GO-optimized plans. The GO-optimized plans had a higher conformity index (CI; 0.91) than other plans, showing statistically significant differences. Compared with other plans, the HIPO-optimized plans showed the lowest doses of D1 cm 3 and D2 cm 3 at bladders and rectums and non-statistically significant doses at small intestines ( P > 0.05). In terms of the equivalent uniform biologically effective dose (EUBED) for HRCTV, the HIPO-optimized plans showed a higher value (12.35 Gy) than the GO-optimized plans (12.23 Gy) and the IPSA-optimized plans (12.13 Gy). Moreover, the EUBED at bladders was the lowest (2.38 Gy) in the GO-optimized plans, the EUBED at rectums was the lowest (3.74 Gy) in the HIPO-optimized plans, and the EUBED at small intestines was non-significantly different among the three types of optimized plans ( P = 0.055). There was no significant difference in the tumor control probability (TCP) predicted using the three types of optimized plans ( P > 0.05). The normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCPs) of bladders and rectums predicted using the HIPO-optimized plans were lower than those predicted using the GO- and IPSA-optimized plans( χ2 = 12.95-38.43, P < 0.01), and the NTCP of small intestines did not show significant differences ( P > 0.05). Conclusions:Among the three types of optimization algorithms, inverse optimization takes less time than GO. GO-optimized plans are more conformal than IPSA- and HIPO-optimized plans. HIPO-optimized plans can increase the biological coverage dose of the target volume and reduce the maximum physical/biological exposure and NTCP at bladders and rectums. Therefore, HIPO is recommended preferentially as an optimization algorithm for IC/ISBT for cervical cancer.

A preliminary study on stereotactic ablative brachytherapy for lung metastases from cervical cancer / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To preliminarily study the effectiveness and safety of stereotactic ablative brachytherapy (SABT) for lung metastases from cervical cancer. Methods We analyzed the clinical data of 18 patients with cervical cancer with lung metastasis treated with SABT to compare gross tumor volume (VGTV) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen before and after SABT. The clinical benefit rate (CBR) and adverse reactions were recorded. Results After SABT treatment, there were significant decreases in VGTV (t=1.708, P<0.05) and the SCC antigen level (t=1.704, P<0.05). CBR reached 94.4%. Adverse reactions of grades 3-4 did not occur in any patient. Fourteen patients had mild complications, including 1 case of bloody sputum and 1 case of a small pneumothorax. Ten cases developed mild radiation-induced lung injury, with grade 2 radiation pneumonitis in 4 cases. The Karnofsky performance status score and needle depth were not associated with the occurrence of adverse reactions, while the radius of GTV and interstitial lung disease were associated with the occurrence of adverse reactions. Conclusion SABT is a safe and effective alternative to the treatment of lung metastases from cervical cancer.

Value of 125I seed implantation for patients with oligometastatic EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer without progression after first-line EGFR-TKIs treatment / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of CT-guided 125I seed implantation in patients with oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activating mutations (EGFRm+ ) without progression after first-line EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) treatment. Methods:From January 2015 to January 2019, 89 eligible patients (38 males, 51 females; age: (62±11) years) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into 2 groups according to different treatment methods. The 125I seeds were implanted for oligometastatic lesions and/or primary tumors without progression after first-line EGFR-TKIs therapy in local consolidation treatment group (Group A, n=32). The maintenance treatment group (Group B, n=57) only received EGFR-TKIs until disease progression. The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of the 2 groups were estimated by Kaplan-Meier curves, and were compared by using log-rank test. Complications in Group A were observed. Results:The follow-up time of the group A and group B were 36.5(31.0, 43.3) months and 30.0(24.0, 35.0) months respectively. The median PFS and OS in group A were 15.0(95% CI: 12.8-17.2 ) months and 37.0(95% CI: 33.9-40.1) months, both of which were significantly longer than those in group B (12.0(95% CI: 10.9-13.1) months and 31.0(95% CI: 28.9-33.1) months; χ2 values: 8.80, 7.15, P values: 0.003, 0.007). In Group A, the total incidence of complications in CT-guided 125I seed implantation was 21.9%(7/32), and the common complications and adverse events were pneumothorax and hemoptysis. Only 1 patient underwent chest tube insertion, and the rest were treated with conservative treatment. No operation related death occurred. Conclusion:CT-guided 125I seed implantation is safe and feasible for patients with EGFRm+ oligometastatic NSCLC without progression after first-line EGFR-TKIs treatment, and can prolong the PFS and OS of patients.

Analysis of treatment effect of 125I seed implantation in patients with radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of 125I seed implantation in the treatment of radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC). Methods:Fourteen patients (8 males, 6 females, age: (62.0±10.7) years) with RAIR-DTC confirmed by pathology or imaging examination in the Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College between July 2017 and March 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were treated with 125I seed implantation guided by CT. Ultrasound, CT, 125I-SPECT/CT or MRI were performed at 1.5, 3, 6 and 12 months after the implantation to evaluate the changes of lesion volume, and serum thyroglobulin (Tg), as well as symptom relief were monitored and recorded. The paired t-test was used for data analysis. Results:The 125I seeds were successfully implanted (16 operations) in 14 patients with 25 lesions. Patients were followed up for 3-44 months (median: 6.5(4.5, 11.5) months). The total effective rate was 60.0%(15/25) and the total local control rate was 96.0%(24/25). The effective rate for metastatic lymph nodes was 10/17, and the local control rate was 16/17. The effective rate and the local control rate for local recurrence were 1/3 and 3/3 respectively, and those for bone metastasis were both 3/3, those for sinus metastasis were 0/1 and 1/1 respectively, and those for lung metastasis were both 1/1. In 8 patients with clinical symptoms, symtoms of 4 cases were completely relieved, those of 3 cases were partially relieved and 1 case had no remission. The Tg level and the tumor length were both decreased after operation ((245.99±44.85) μg/L vs (330.38±50.78) μg/L, t=2.92, P=0.010; (2.71±0.34) cm vs (3.78±0.27) cm, t=3.13, P=0.007). Conclusions:125I seed implantation, as a supplementary treatment for RAIR-DTC, is safe and effective. It has a good effect against metastatic and local recurrent lesions.

Progress of 125I seeds implantation technology in the treatment of malignant tumors / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

125I seeds implantation for the treatment of various malignant tumors has been widely recognized in clinical practice in recent years. It has a wide application prospect and is an effective treatment method. With the development of ultrasound, CT, MR, endoscopy and three-dimensional (3D)-printing technology, the clinical application of 125I seeds implantation technology is progressing rapidly. This article summarizes its implementation methods, clinical applications and development trends.

Clinical efficacy and influencing factors of 125I seeds implantation in the treatment of patients with advanced lung cancer after radiotherapy and chemotherapy / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy and prognostic factors of 125I seeds implantation in the treatment of patients with advanced lung cancer after radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Methods:From January 2017 to December 2019, 44 patients (39 males, 5 females, age 41-84 years) with advanced lung cancer after radiotherapy and chemotherapy who received 125I seeds implantation in Hebei General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were followed up for ≥12 months, and the clinical efficacies were observed. χ2 test was used to analyze the difference of effective rates between groups. The cut-off value of postoperative dose delivered to 90% gross tumor volume ( D90) was obtained by ROC curve analysis. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the survival rate and log-rank test was used for univariate analysis. Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis to find the influencing factors for clinical efficacy. Results:The total effective rate was 72.73%(32/44) after 6 months treatment. The cut-off value of D90 was 120 Gy with the AUC of 0.771. The short-term effective rate of D90≥120 Gy group was better than that of D90<120 Gy group (18/19 vs 56.00%(14/25); χ2=8.17, P=0.004). The 1-year survival rate was 77.27%(34/44). Univariate analysis showed that age ( χ2=3.99, P=0.046), preoperative Hb ( χ2=10.60, P=0.001), tumor maximum diameter ( χ2=11.50, P=0.001) and postoperative D90( χ2=5.81, P=0.016) could affect the survival of patients. Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative Hb (hazard ratio ( HR)=0.023, 95% CI: 0.001-0.882, P=0.043) and tumor maximum diameter ( HR=40.889, 95% CI: 1.458-1 146.586, P=0.029) were prognostic factors. Conclusions:125I seeds implantation shows a good effect in the treatment of lung cancer patients after the progress of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The short-term effect of patients with D90≥120 Gy is better than that of patients with D90<120 Gy. Preoperative Hb and tumor maximum diameter are prognostic factors of survival after implantation.

Repercussões psicossociais do tratamento radioterápico para o câncer do colo uterino: uma abordagem qualitativa / Psychosocial repercussions of radiotherapy treatment for cervical cancer: a qualitative approach / Repercusiones psicosociales del tratamiento de radioterapia para el cáncer de cuello uterino: un enfoque cualitativo

RESUMO Objetivo: compreender as repercussões psicossociais do pós-tratamento radioterápico para o câncer do colo uterino. Método: estudo qualitativo, com a participação de pacientes em pós-tratamento radioterápico para o câncer do colo uterino em um ambulatório de enfermagem oncoginecológica, localizado no Município do Rio de Janeiro - Brasil. Os dados foram coletados durante os meses de março e abril de 2019 por meio de entrevista aberta e submetidos à análise de conteúdo. Resultados: definiram-se quatro categorias: o constructo de papéis sociais: a perda da identidade feminina; a sexualidade da mulher pós-tratamento para o câncer do colo uterino: repercussões conjugais; dificuldades de adaptação à nova condição de vida: reconstruindo a imagem corporal; convivendo com o câncer do colo uterino: repensando a vida e reconstruindo valores através da rede de apoio. Considerações finais: os resultados contribuem para o direcionamento do cuidado, aumentando a qualidade de vida e auxiliando a reorganização da vida profissional, social e familiar dessas mulheres.

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand the psychosocial repercussions of post radiotherapy treatment for cervical cancer. Method: qualitative study, with the participation of patients in post radiotherapy treatment for cervical cancer in an onco-gynecologic nursing outpatient clinic, located in the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro - Brazil. Data were collected during the months of March and April 2019 by means of open interview and submitted to content analysis. Results: four categories were defined: the construct of social roles: the loss of female identity; the sexuality of post-treated women for cervical cancer: marital repercussions; difficulties in adapting to the new life condition: rebuilding the body image; living with cervical cancer: rethinking life and rebuilding values through the support network. Final considerations: the results contribute to the direction of care, increasing the quality of life and helping these women reorganize their professional, social, and family lives.

RESUMEN Objetivo: conocer las repercusiones psicosociales del tratamiento post-radioterapia del cáncer de cuello de útero. Método: estudio cualitativo, con la participación de pacientes en tratamiento post radioterapia para cáncer de cuello uterino en una consulta externa de enfermería oncoginecológica, ubicada en el Municipio de Río de Janeiro - Brasil. Los datos fueron recolectados durante los meses de marzo y abril de 2019 a través de una entrevista abierta y fueron sometidos a un análisis de contenido. Resultados: se definieron cuatro categorías: la construcción de los roles sociales: la pérdida de la identidad femenina; la sexualidad de las mujeres después del tratamiento del cáncer de cuello uterino: las repercusiones conyugales; las dificultades de adaptación a la nueva condición de vida: la reconstrucción de la imagen corporal; la convivencia con el cáncer de cuello uterino: el replanteamiento de la vida y la reconstrucción de los valores a través de la red de apoyo. Consideraciones finales: los resultados contribuyen a la orientación de los cuidados, aumentando la calidad de vida y ayudando a la reorganización de la vida profesional, social y familiar de estas mujeres.

Significado do uso da prótese peniana de silicone no seguimento da braquiterapia pélvica / Significado do uso da prótese peniana de silicone no seguimento da braquiterapia pélvica / Meaning of the use of silicone penile prosthesis in the follow-up of pelvic brachytherapy

Objetivo: descrever o significado do uso da prótese peniana de silicone para dilatação vaginal no seguimento da braquiterapia em mulheres com câncer ginecológico. Método: pesquisa narrativa, realizada no Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas, Brasil, com 34 mulheres, após braquiterapia pélvica, em seguimento no serviço de fisioterapia. Coleta de dados por entrevistas semiestruturadas, incluindo dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e o significado do uso da prótese peniana na dilatação vaginal, submetidas à análise de conteúdo e discutidas à luz do estudo From 'sex toy' to intrusive imposition. Resultados: o significado perpassa o exercício de dilatação vaginal; as dificuldades relacionadas às condições vaginais, doença, tratamento, dor, sexo, constrangimentos, preconceitos, falhas na educação em saúde; as motivações relacionam-se à busca por qualidade de vida, apoio dos companheiros e profissionais. Conclusão: a abordagem de possíveis barreiras emocionais, psicológicas, sociais e físicas deve ser planejada e executada para prevenção da estenose vaginal e melhor acolhimento.

Objective: to describe the meaning of the use of silicone penile prosthesis for vaginal dilation in the follow-up of brachytherapy in women with gynecological cancer. Method: narrative research conducted at the Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas, Brazil, with 34 women after pelvic brachytherapy, under follow-up at the physical therapy service. Data collection through semi-structured interviews, including sociodemographic and clinical data and the significance of the use of penile prosthesis in vaginal dilation, submitted to content analysis and discussed in the light of the study From 'sex toy' to intrusive imposition. Results: the meaning permeates the vaginal dilation exercise; difficulties related to vaginal conditions, disease, treatment, pain, sex, constraints, prejudices, failures in health education; motivations are related to the search for quality of life, support of partners and professionals. Conclusion: the approach of possible emotional, psychological, social and physical barriers should be planned and executed for prevention of vaginal stenosis and better reception.

Objetivo: describir el significado del uso de una prótesis peneana de silicona para la dilatación vaginal posterior a la braquiterapia en mujeres con cáncer ginecológico. Método: investigación narrativa, realizada en el Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas, Brasil, con 34 mujeres, después de braquiterapia pélvica, en seguimiento en el servicio de fisioterapia. Recopilación de datos a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas, incluyendo datos sociodemográficos y clínicos y el significado del uso de prótesis peneana en la dilatación vaginal, sometidos a análisis de contenido y discutidos a la luz del estudio From 'sex toy' to intrusive imposition. Resultados: el significado impregna el ejercicio de dilatación vaginal; dificultades relacionadas con condiciones vaginales, enfermedad, tratamiento, dolor, sexo, vergüenza, prejuicios, fallas en la educación para la salud; las motivaciones están relacionadas con la búsqueda de calidad de vida, apoyo de la pareja y profesionales. Conclusión: se debe planificar y ejecutar el abordaje de las posibles barreras emocionales, psicológicas, sociales y físicas para prevenir la estenosis vaginal y una mejor recepción.

Repercussões da braquiterapia na qualidade de vida e funcionalidade no tratamento do câncer de colo uterino / Effects of brachytherapy on quality of life and functionality in the treatment of cervix cancer / Efectos de la braquiterapia sobre la calidad de vida y la funcionalidad en el tratamiento del cáncer de cuello uterino

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a repercussão da braquiterapia sobre funcionalidade e qualidade de vida de mulheres com câncer de colo uterino. Método: estudo transversal descritivo, desenvolvido entre dezembro de 2019 e fevereiro de 2020, com 33 mulheres com neoplasia uterina em tratamento braquiterápico, acompanhadas no Centro Oncológico do Nordeste - Brasil. Foi aplicado o instrumento Funtional Assessment of Cancer Theraphy - Cervix Cancer. Foram comparadas as médias das subescalas e analisada a correlação entre elas por meio da aplicação dos testes ANOVA e t de Student. Resultados: foram evidenciadas demandas voltadas para a autoimagem, sexualidade e queixas urinárias. A média de preocupações adicionais foi menor na faixa de 50-59 quando comparada com a média da faixa de 31-49 (p=0,004) e com a de 60-75 (p=0,002). Conclusão: abordar assuntos voltados para sexualidade e queixas urinárias contribuem para a identificação precoce dos sintomas ocasionados pela braquiterapia, assim como implementação de medidas, proporcionando qualidade de vida à paciente.

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the effect of brachytherapy on functionality and quality of life of women with cervix cancer. Method: a descriptive and cross-sectional study carried out between December 2019 and February 2020 with 33 women with uterine neoplasia undergoing brachytherapy, followed up at Centro Oncológico do Nordeste - Brazil. The Funtional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Cervix Cancer instrument was applied. The means of the subscales were compared and their mutual correlation was analyzed by applying the ANOVA and Student's t tests. Results: requirements focused on self-image, sexuality and urinary complaints were evidenced. The mean of additional concerns was lower in the age group from 50 to 59 years old, when compared to the mean values in the age groups from 31 to 49 years old (p=0.004) and from 60 to 75 years old (p=0.002). Conclusion: addressing issues related to sexuality and urinary complaints contribute to early identification of the symptoms caused by brachytherapy, as well as the implementation of measures, providing quality of life for the patient.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar el efecto de la braquiterapia sobre la funcionalidad y la calidad de vida de mujeres con cáncer de cuello uterino. Método: estudio transversal y descriptivo realizado entre diciembre de 2019 y febrero de 2020 con 33 mujeres con neoplasia uterina en tratamiento de braquiterapia, monitoreadas en el Centro Oncológico do Nordeste - Brasil. Se aplicó el instrumento Funtional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Cervix Cancer. Se compararon las medias de las subescalas y se analizó la correlación entre ellas por medio de las pruebas ANOVA y t de Student. Resultados: se evidenciaron requerimientos centrados en la autoimagen, la sexualidad y las quejas urinarias. La media de preocupaciones adicionales fue menor en los grupos etarios de 31 a 49 años (p=0.004) y de 60 a 75 (p=0.002). Conclusión: abordar cuestiones relacionadas con la sexualidad y las molestias urinarias contribuyen a la identificación precoz de los síntomas causados por la braquiterapia, así como a la implementación de medidas, proporcionando calidad de vida a la paciente.

Avaliação da dor em mulheres com câncer cérvico-uterino durante a braquiterapia / Pain evaluation in women with cervical-uterine neoplasms during brachytherapy / Evaluación del dolor en mujeres con cáncer cérvico-uterino durante la braquiterapia

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a intensidade da dor em mulheres submetidas à braquiterapia pélvica. Método: estudo transversal, analítico, quantitativo realizado em instituição oncológica (Santa Catarina/Brasil), incluindo 97 mulheres em braquiterapia pélvica, com (grupo 1) ou sem (grupo 2) sedação anestésica. Coleta de dados entre setembro de 2018 a julho de 2019, por entrevista estruturada e no prontuário da paciente. Intensidade da dor avaliada em cinco momentos por escala visual analógica. Análise incluiu medidas de frequência, teste qui-quadrado, análise de resíduos padronizados ajustados, equações de estimações generalizadas, teste post-hoc de Bonferroni; nível de significância 0,05. Resultados: 51 mulheres (52,6%) referiram dor prévia à braquiterapia, 73 (75,3%) após. Na retirada dos aplicadores, grupo 1 atingiu 55,9% na proporção de presença de dor, grupo 2 36,8%. Houve significância da percepção dolorosa por momento/sedação (p<0,001). Conclusão: percepção dolorosa observada na maioria das mulheres. Os resultados contribuíram para revisão do protocolo institucional para sedação endovenosa e melhor controle álgico.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate pain intensity in women undergoing pelvic brachytherapy. Method: cross-sectional, analytical, quantitative study conducted in an oncology institution (Santa Catarina/Brazil), including 97 women undergoing pelvic brachytherapy, with (group 1) or without (group 2) anesthetic sedation. Data collection between September 2018 to July 2019, by structured interview and in the patient's medical record. Pain intensity assessed at five time points by visual analog scale. Analysis included frequency measures, chi-square test, adjusted standardized residuals analysis, generalized estimating equations, Bonferroni post-hoc test; significance level 0.05. Results: 51 women (52.6%) reported pain before brachytherapy, 73 (75.3%) after. At the removal of the applicators, group 1 reached 55.9% in the proportion of presence of pain, group 2, 36.8%. There was significance of pain perception by moment/sedation (p<0.001). Conclusion: pain perception observed in most women. The results contributed to revision of the institutional protocol for intravenous sedation and better pain control.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar la intensidad del dolor en mujeres sometidas a braquiterapia pélvica. Método: estudio transversal, analítico y cuantitativo realizado en una institución de oncología (Santa Catarina/Brasil), incluyendo 97 mujeres sometidas a braquiterapia pélvica, con (grupo 1) o sin (grupo 2) sedación anestésica. Recogida de datos entre septiembre de 2018 y julio de 2019, mediante entrevista estructurada y en la historia clínica del paciente. La intensidad del dolor se evaluó en cinco momentos mediante una escala analógica visual. El análisis incluyó medidas de frecuencia, prueba de chi-cuadrado, análisis de residuos estandarizados ajustados, ecuaciones de estimación generalizadas, prueba post-hoc de Bonferroni; nivel de significación 0,05. Resultados: 51 mujeres (52,6%) refirieron dolor antes de la braquiterapia, 73 (75,3%) después. Al retirar los aplicadores, el grupo 1 alcanzó el 55,9% en la proporción de presencia de dolor, el grupo 2 el 36,8%. Hubo significación de la percepción del dolor según el momento/sedación (p<0,001). Conclusión: La percepción del dolor se observó en la mayoría de las mujeres. Los resultados contribuyeron a revisar el protocolo institucional de sedación endovenosa y a mejorar el control del dolor.

Treatment outcomes of concurrent weekly cisplatin with intracavitary brachytherapy in patients with cervical carcinoma, pre-treated with concurrent chemo-radiotherapy

Objective: Cervical carcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. This study evaluates improvement of quality of life, response to treatment, and compliance of concurrent weekly cisplatin with intracavitary brachytherapy (ICRT) in patients with cervical carcinoma, pre-treated with concurrent chemo- radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Radiotherapy, Government Medical College, from October 2018 to March 2020, meeting specified inclusion and exclusion criteria; patients willing to participate in the study were included. Results: On analyzing the pattern of response, 91.0% of patients have a complete response. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was observed at grade 1 or 2 in 80.0% of patients, grade 3 in 17.0% of patients, and more than grade 3 in 3.0% of patients. Neutropenia is occurred at less than grade 3 in 30.0% of patients and grade 3 or more in 3.3% of patients. Vaginal mucositis was also observed in 85.0% of the patients in less than grade 3 and 11.6% in grade 3 or more. The incidence of renal dysfunction less than grade 3 was seen in 35.0% of the patients and grade 3 or more in 5.0% of the patients. After 6months, there was cystitis found in less than grade 3 in 10.0% of the patients and more than grade 3 in 3.3% of the patients. Conclusion: In locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix, the addition of concurrent injection of cisplatin to ICRT significantly improves locoregional response but increases the incidence of hematological and mucosal toxicity, which is manageable.

Principais implicações terapêuticas à qualidade de vida de pacientes com câncer de colo uterino: uma revisão narrativa / Therapeutic implications to the quality of life of cervical cancer's patients: a narrative review

O câncer de colo uterino é o quarto tipo mais incidente e fatal entre as mulheres no Brasil e no mundo, o que representa mundialmente em torno de 600 mil novos casos e mais de 300 mil mortes a cada ano. Assim como o diagnóstico, o tratamento da doença pode impactar de forma significativa a qualidade de vida dessas pacientes. A aplicação de questionários que avaliem os diferentes aspectos da qualidade de vida das mulheres afetadas por esse câncer é uma ferramenta relevante, pois auxilia na compreensão e identificação dos principais danos relacionados ao tratamento. Este trabalho visa analisar a literatura atual que investiga e relata os principais efeitos à qualidade de vida de mulheres com câncer de colo uterino associados a diferentes modalidades terapêuticas e, desse modo, contribuir nas escolhas de tratamento e manejo clínico que resultem em menores impactos à qualidade de vida dessas mulheres.(AU)

Cervical cancer is the fourth most incident and fatal cancer type among women in Brazil and worldwide. This data represents around 600 thousand new cases worldwide each year and more than 300 thousand lives lost. Both diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact the quality of life of cervical cancer patients. The application of questionnaires that assess the different aspects of the quality of life of women affected by this cancer is a relevant tool, as it helps to understand and identify the main damages related to the treatment. This article aims to analyze the current literature that reports the main effects on the quality of life of women with cervical cancer associated with different therapeutic modalities. In this way, the review could assist in the treatment choices that imply less impact on the quality of life of these women.(AU)

The side effects and dose-effect relationship of vagina in the brachytherapy for cervical cancer / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Brachytherapy is irreplaceable in definitive radiotherapy and postoperative radiotherapy for cervical cancer. Since the vagina is adjacent to the cervix in terms of anatomical position and the vaginal applicator is placed in the vagina between the bladder and the rectum, the absorbed dose of the vagina is extremely uneven and difficult to evaluate. This review expounds the present vaginal side effects, vaginal dose evaluation method, dose-effect relationship between dose and side effects, and dose limits in brachytherapy for cervical cancer, to provide a certain reference for the clinical practice of the brachytherapy for cervical cancer.

Response patterns and treatment outcomes of uveal melanoma patients treated with external scleral plaque radiotherapy / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective:To observe the different clinical response patterns of uveal melanoma (UM) patients after external scleral plaque radiotherapy (PRT), and to investigate the risk factors of secondary enucleation after treatment failure.Methods:A single-centre retrospective study. Demographic baseline characteristics and clinical data were collected from 465 UM patients treated with 125I external scleral PRT at Beijing Tongren Hospital from March 2011 to September 2017. Among them, 217 were male and 248 were female, tumor all occurred monocularly. The mean age of subjects was 46.7±12.1 years. Reasons for secondary enucleation included local tumor treatment failure, glaucoma, scleral necrosis and patient request. Tumor grading was based on the grading standards established by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). The pattern of tumor response after PRT was classified as degenerated type, growth type, stable type or other types according to literature criteria. The median follow-up time after PRT was 59 months to observe tumor changes. Complete follow-up records of 3 or more color doppler ultrasound imaging (CDI) was available in 245 cases. A t-test was performed to compare the patient's age, intraocular pressure, best corrected visual acuity, tumor thickness and maximum basal diameter before treatment; a chi-square test was performed to compare the patient's gender, AJCC T classification of the tumor, whether the ciliary body was involved, presence of subretinal fluid, optic disc invasion and vitreous hemorrhage, tumor shape and location. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to estimate the cumulative probability of secondary enucleation after extra-scleral PRT. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between tumor characteristics and secondary enucleation after extra-scleral PRT. Results:Among 465 patients, eecondary enucleation was performed on 78 (16.8%, 78/465) patients during the follow-up period. The 1, 3 and 5 year secondary enucleation rates were 5.4%, 9.3% and 17.1 %, respectively. Eye preservation was successful in 387 cases (83.2%, 387/465). Patients treated by secondary enucleation had a larger maximum basal diameter of tumor, a higher proportion of irregular and diffuse morphology, a cumulative macular involved and a higher AJCC T classification, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). There were 115, 76, 27, and 27 cases of degenerated type, stable type, growth type, and other type, respectively. The tumor thickness of the growth type and other types was significantly smaller than that of the degenerated type and the stable type, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Univariate Cox analysis showed that the maximum basal diameter of the tumor ( HR=1.19), tumor thickness ( HR=1.08), AJCC T classification ( HR=1.90), growth type response pattern (relative to degenerated type response pattern) ( HR=4.20) was associated with failure of eye preservation ( P<0.05). In the multivariate Cox analysis, the largest tumor basal diameter ( HR=1.24) and the growth type response pattern (relative to the degenerated type response pattern) ( HR=4.59) were still associated with failure of eye preservation ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The tumor thickness of UM patients with growing and other response patterns after PRT is smaller before treatment; the maximum basal diameter of the tumor and the growing response pattern are independent risk factors for secondary enucleation.