Optimized Magnetic Resonance Brachytherapy (MR BT) in Cervix Cancer

Overview

Patients with cervix cancer usually require external radiation given to the whole pelvis then an internal radiation boost, also called brachytherapy, to treat any remaining tumour. Standard brachytherapy has been used successfully for many years, but does not take into account differences in the shape of the tumour or normal structures between patients. This study aims to implement individualized -optimized- brachytherapy, based on international recommendations. MR scanning with the intra-uterine applicator in place allows improved identification of residual tumour and normal structures, allowing brachytherapy to be individualized for each patient with the aim to reduce side-effects and improve outcome. Additionally, repeating MR scans during brachytherapy treatment will allow further assessment on motion of the applicator during treatment and the effect on radiation dose. Sexual health assessments aim to identify the relationship between sexual health and treatment effects.

Pre-treatment: Prior to examination under anaesthesia and placement of the intra-uterine applicator, in addition to standard assessment of treatment toxicity, the patient may complete an optional Sexual Health assessment taking approximately 15 minutes. Following standard insertion of the intra-uterine applicator under general anaesthetic and planning MRI scan, there is an optional additional MRI scan taking an extra 30 minutes This extra scan will not affect the commencement of treatment planning as images from the planning scan will be transferred to the treatment planning system as soon as they are obtained. From the MRi planning scan, target and specific normal structures are contoured. An individual BT plan will be derived based on a standard plan to deliver dose within specified dose volume constraints. During treatment: During inpatient BT optional MRI scans, each taking 15 minutes will be obtained in the period between treatment pulses once during each 24 hours of admission. The information from the additional MRI scans will not be used to alter or influence treatment. Follow-up: Standard follow-up procedures will be followed, with the optional addition of the Sexual Health evaluation at each visit.