Single- and dual-source-strength focal boost planning in low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy: feasibility study

Introduction: This study investigates the dose escalation to dominant intra-prostatic lesions (DILs) that is achievable using single-source-strength (SSS) and dual-source-strength (DSS) low-dose-rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy and a sector-based plan approach.

Methods: Twenty patients were retrospectively analysed. Image registration and planning were undertaken using VariSeed v9·0. SSS and DSS boost plans were produced and compared to clinical plans. Dosimetric robustness to seed displacement for SSS and DSS plans was compared to clinical plans using Monte Carlo simulations.

Results: Fourteen out of 20 patients had DIL identifiable on magnetic resonance imaging. Median increase in sector D90 of 27% (p < 0·0001) and sector V150 of 31% (p < 0·0001) was achieved with SSS planning without exceeding local rectum and urethra dose constraints. DSS plans achieved dose distributions not statistically significantly different from the SSS plans with a median of eight fewer seeds and two fewer needles. SSS and DSS plan sensitivity to random seed displacement was similar to the clinical plans.

Conclusions: Treatment planning using VariSeed to produce SSS and DSS focal boost plans is feasible for LDR prostate brachytherapy to achieve a median escalation in sector D90 of 27% without exceeding local urethral and rectal constraints. SSS and DSS plan dosimetric robustness was similar to clinical plan dosimetric robustness.