Real time brachytherapy for prostate cancer – A new challenge for medical physicists

Abstract

Background

The paper present the “real time” brachytherapy for planning prostate cancer. The differences between treatment planning for “traditional” and “real time” brachytherapy, from the point of view of the medical physicist, are taken into account and each step of treatment planning is presented.

Aim

The aim of the paper was to present the difference between in “conventional” and “real time” planning treatment from the point of view of medical physicist.

Materials/Methods

Two significant aspects of treatment planning in “real time” brachytherapy are underlined. The first is connected with the place of work of the medical physicist (operating room), and the second one regarding the time (patient is under spinal anesthesia).

Results/Conclusions

Treatment planning and patient treatment, based on Ultrasound examinations, allows us to minimize topographical errors during the application of brachytherapy.