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Created by: Vasileios Vavourakis (in Silico Modeling Group, University of Cyprus, Cyprus)
Issue 319: We explored recently a novel computational approach that can enhance the accuracy of high dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BRT), a therapeutic modality against prostate cancer. HDR-BRT involves temporary insertion of radioactive source-carrying catheters into the prostate. However, catheter insertion is a task that is highly dependent on the experience of the treating physician which in turn defines the accuracy and therapeutic outcome of brachytherapy. In this direction, we developed a data-driven computer modeling tool that can simulate needle insertion and prostate tissue deformation during HDR-BRT. Our tool can integrate magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound data from prostate cancer patients, and has been tested to recapitulate catheter insertion during HDR-BRT. The simulation tool ability to realistically capture this process and to accurately predict the prostate deformation is evaluated against comprehensive clinical images from cancer patients in Cyprus. This contribution demonstrates our first milestone towards a digital platform for pre-operative planning and intra-operative guidance optimization of HDR-BRT. Our efforts are now intensified in the research project PROTECT (https://protect-prostate.eu) where we will refine the modelling and image computing algorithms and tools towards high-fidelity personalized brachytherapy in prostate cancer management.