This paper compares the isotopes 60 Co and 192 Ir as radiation sources for high-dose-rate (HDR) afterloading brachytherapy. The smaller size of 192 Ir sources made it the preferred radionuclide for temporary brachytherapy treatments. Recently also 60 Co sources have been made available with...

The utilization of extended reality (ER) has been increasingly explored in the medical field over the past ten years. A comprehensive analysis of scientific publications was conducted to assess the applications of ER in the field of diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound, interventional radiology, and computed tomography. The study also evaluated the use of ER in patient positioning and medical education. Additionally, we explored the potential of ER as a replacement for anesthesia and sedation during examinations. The use of ER technologies in medical education has received increased attention in recent years. This technology allows for a more interactive and engaging educational experience, particularly in anatomy and patient positioning, although the question may be asked: is the technology and maintenance cost worth the investment? The results of the analyzed studies suggest that implementing augmented reality in clinical practice is a positive phenomenon that expands the diagnostic capabilities of imaging studies, education, and positioning. The results suggest that ER has significant potential to improve diagnostic imaging procedures’ accuracy and efficiency and enhance the patient experience through increased visualization and understanding of medical conditions. Despite these promising advancements, further research is needed to fully realize the potential of ER in the medical field and to address the challenges and limitations associated with its integration into clinical practice.

The majority of patients with bile duct cancer are diagnosed with clinically advanced disease. Most of these patients have a short life expectancy and are treated with palliative aim. Most patients present with locally advanced or metastatic disease, which is not amenable to surgical resection,...

Background: Surface brachytherapy, usually characterized by a high dose gradient, allows the dose to be precisely deposited in the irradiated area while protecting critical organs. When the lesion is located in the nasal or ocular region, the organ of vision must be protected. The aim of this study was to verify the dose distributions near critical organs in the head and neck region during a brachytherapy procedure using lead shielding of the eye. Methods: Anthropomorphic phantom using 3D-printing technology was prepared. The doses deposited at a point in the lens of the eye and on the surface of the eyelid, directly under the lead shield were calculated and measured using EBT3 radiochromic films. Comparison of doses planned in the treatment planning system using the TG-43 formalism, TG-186 formalism, and measured were also performed. Results: Comparing the planned and calculated doses with TG186 formalism it can be assumed that the use of lead shields is a method for protecting the organ of vision from the adverse effects of ionizing radiation. Conclusions: The decision to use a lead shield during facial surface brachytherapy procedures should be made on a patient-by-patient basis and based on model-based calculation methods recommended by TG186.

SummaryPulsed Dose Rate (PDR) treatment is a new brachytherapy modality that combines physical advantages of high-dose-rate (HDR) technology (isodose optimization and radiation safety) with radiobiological advantages of low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy.Pulsed brachytherapy uses a stronger radiation source than that employed in LDR brachytherapy and provides a series of short 10 to 30 minutes long exposures every hour amounting to approximately the same total dose in the same overall as that administered in the LDR.Modern afterloading equipment offers some advantages over interstitial or intracavitary insertion of separate needles, tubes, seeds or wires. Isodose volumes in tissue can be created flexibly by a combination of careful positioning of the catheter and by adjusting the dwell times of the computerized stepping source. Automatic removal of radiation sources into a shielded safe eliminates radiation exposures to staff and visitors. Radiation exposure is also eliminated to the staff who previously loaded and unloaded a large variety of radioactive sources into the catheters, ovoids, tubes etc.This review, based on summarized clinical investigations, analyses the feasibility, differences between methods of brachytherapy and preliminary clinical applications of PDR brachytherapy

Purpose: Well-known defect of TG-43 based algorithms used in brachytherapy is a lack of information about interaction cross-sections, which are determined not only by electron density but also by atomic number. TG-186 recommendations with using of MBDCA (model-based dose calculation algorithm),...