Using Ultrasound in Image-Guided Brachytherapy: Everything Old is New Again

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The radiation oncology webinar titled "Ultrasound in Image-Guided Brachytherapy: Everything Old is New Again" was hosted by Associate Professor Perley Core, a lead radiation oncologist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia. The webinar aimed to share insights about Peter Mac's ultrasound program and its impact on improving the technical quality of brachytherapy implants in treating locally advanced cervical cancer.<br /><br />The first presenter, Dr. Sylvia Van Dyke, detailed the development and technical advantages of using ultrasound for image-guided brachytherapy. She emphasized the importance of ultrasound in ensuring accurate applicator placement, avoiding perforation, and achieving better coverage of the cervix while minimizing radiation doses to organs at risk. By using both transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds, the team at Peter Mac ensures precise planning and verification of implants. Dr. Van Dyke also discussed the workflow, challenges, and future prospects of integrating 3D ultrasound into their procedures.<br /><br />Dr. Kelvin Yu from the University of Santo Tomas Hospital in Manila shared his experience in adapting the Peter Mac ultrasound method to a resource-limited setting. He highlighted the benefits and challenges of incorporating ultrasound into brachytherapy protocols and proposed solutions for overcoming barriers such as training staff and managing additional costs.<br /><br />Dr. Ryan Urban from the BC Cancer Centre in Vancouver provided recorded insights into managing complex brachytherapy cases using techniques learned at Peter Mac. He showcased specific patient cases, emphasizing the vital role of pre-brachytherapy MRI and continuous learning and innovation in overcoming practical challenges.<br /><br />Dr. Onyinye Balagon from Weill Cornell Centre in Brooklyn discussed accessibility and the broader application of Peter Mac’s techniques, stressing the importance of integrating ultrasound to enhance treatment precision and patient comfort.<br /><br />The webinar underscored the significant benefits of ultrasound in brachytherapy and the need for collaborative efforts to advance and disseminate these techniques globally.

Keywords

radiation oncology

webinar

ultrasound

image-guided brachytherapy

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

cervical cancer

applicator placement

transabdominal ultrasound

transvaginal ultrasound

3D ultrasound

resource-limited settings

brachytherapy protocols

patient cases

treatment precision