Application of transrectal ultrasound in guiding interstitial brachytherapy for advanced cervical cancer

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of transrectal ultrasound guidance in interstitial brachytherapy for cervical cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients who underwent interstitial brachytherapy treatment for cervical cancer between January 2017 and January 2018 were enrolled in the study. The distances between each inserted needle and the lesion were measured at seven sites by ultrasound (D1-D7) and compared to the corresponding distances (M1-M7) when visualised with nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Measurements were paired on the basis of the observation sites, e.g. D1 and M1, D2 and M2. The statistical differences, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and linear relationships for the paired measurements were calculated. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the paired M and D measurements, with all ICCs showing high levels of concordance (0.81-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Transrectal ultrasound showed strong agreement with MRI results in determining the position of the inserted needles. Transrectal ultrasound is a useful tool for guided interstitial brachytherapy and is appropriate for widespread use in the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer.