In Vivo Dosimetry for Brachytherapy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A single-centre feasibility study investigating the use of in vivo dosimetry in patients receiving high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy for gynaecological and prostate cancers
IRAS ID
336143
Contact name
Peter Hoskin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
In vivo dosimetry describes the placement of a dosimeter within or on the surface of the patient. A dosimeter is a small device that is able to record the dose of radiation received. It can provide an independent check that the dose of radiation delivered matches the dose calculated for patients receiving radiotherapy as part of their cancer treatment. This is important as it can help to ensure that the dose to the tumour is the prescribed dose to maximise chance of cancer control and that the doses to the nearby normal organs are as predicted to minimising long-term damage.
In vivo dosimetry is used to verify external radiotherapy across all UK cancer centres. Currently, patients who receive brachytherapy do not routinely undergo in vivo dosimetry. Brachytherapy describes a subtype of radiotherapy whereby the radiation source is placed directly into or near to the tumour. This is typically an invasive procedure involving placement of applicators or catheters, usually in an operating theatre, to allow the radioactive source to travel to required regions. Brachytherapy is typically used alone or in combination for prostate, skin and gynaecological malignancies.
In vivo dosimetry is not routinely alongside brachytherapy due to several challenges including how the dosimeters are placed and verified.
This study aims to:
1. Investigate the clinical use of in vivo dosimeters for brachytherapy
Eligible participants are those receiving brachytherapy as part of their standard cancer treatment; this specifically relates to patients undergoing prostate and gynaecological brachytherapy.
The study will be conducted at the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, UK aiming to recruit 20 patients.
The study will be carried out over the course of brachytherapy and participants will undergo placement of dosimeters into the bladder, rectum and within the tumour volume. The dosimeter apparatus will be placed with insertion of brachytherapy applicators and be placed between each treatment for reading.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0270
Date of REC Opinion
4 Nov 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion