Background: To investigate the feasibility and safety of computed tomography-magnetic resonance imaging (CT-MRI) fusion-guided iodine-125 seed implantation for a single malignant brain tumor.
Methods: From November 2015 to October 2016, 12 patients with a single malignant brain tumor were treated with permanent iodine-125 seeds implantation. CT-MRI fusion images were used to make the preoperative treatment plan, intraoperative dose optimization, postoperative verification, and tumor response follow-up. The dosimetry parameters of CT-MRI image fusion plans were compared between preprocedures and postprocedures, including plan target volume, V100 (the percentage of the target volume covered by the prescription dose [PD]), D90 (the dose that covers 90% of the target volume), and V200 (the percentage volume of the brain tumor receiving 200% of the PD). Adverse events were graded by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Clinical and radiological follow-ups were performed at a 3-month interval.
Results: All the interstitial implantations were completed successfully under the guidance of CT-MRI image fusion. The dosimetry parameters of CT-MRI image fusion postplans did not differ significantly from those of preplans (P > 0.05). No higher than Grade 2 adverse events were observed during the follow-up. Tumor control was achieved in 10 of 12 patients (83.33%). The median overall survival time was 15.05 ± 3.35 months (95% confidence interval 12.99-17.26).
Conclusions: CT-MRI image fusion is feasible for the design, optimization, and verification of treatment planning. CT-MRI fusion-based brachytherapy may improve dosimetry of brain tumor while sparing the normal structures, potentially impacting disease control, treatment-related toxicity, and long-term survival.
Keywords: Brachytherapy; image fusion; malignant brain tumor.