Using Cesium-131 for gynecological cancers
A new targeted approach with Cesium-131
Cesium-131 Provides an Efficient Alternative for Recurrent Brain Tumors
Permanent implants with Cesium-131 are an emerging treatment option for patients with recurrent gynecologic cancers. Treatment for these patients can be challenging, as the patients are often facing radical surgery with few other options. Historically, Au-198 (gold) implants were used in selected cases but widespread adoption was limited by dose to the clinician and ability to limit dose to surrounding tissue.
In recent years, the University of Kentucky has shifted their focus to the use of Cesium-131 for these patients. The energy profile and 9.7 day half-life of Cesium-131 allows for a high concentration of dose to the targeted tissue, while limiting dose to surrounding structure and the treatment team.
Cesium-131 can be used for recurrent or new cancers
Implantation with Cesium-131 is an efficient, out-patient alternative for patients to avoid exenteration procedures as well as a potentially curative therapy where exenteration is not a viable or acceptable option.
Cesium-131 brachytherapy can be incorporated into definitive treatment
The team at the University of Kentucky presented their initial data regarding using Cesium-131 Brachytherapy in the treatment of gynecologic cancers at the 2016 World Congress of Brachytherapy2. All patients were locally controlled at the of the report. A total of 25 interstitial procedures were performed demonstrating the safety of brachytherapy. No unexpected toxicities were identified. They also showed that utilizing brachytherapy in place of intracavitary techniques could reduce the dose to organs at risk in many cases as much as 20% or more.
Local control rates following brachytherapy implants for recurrent implants. Initial cohort included 17 treatments in 14 patients. After a median follow-up of 14 months, the local control rate with brachytherapy was 80.7%.
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Contact us"Permanent interstitial brachytherapy with cesium-131 should at least be considered for any woman presenting with a local recurrence of a gynecologic cancer"
Jonathan Feddock
Assistant Professor, University of Kentucky
References
United States Brief Statement
Cesium-131 brachytherapy seeds are indicated for the treatment of malignant disease(e.g., head and neck, eye, brain, breast, prostate, etc.) and may be used in surface, interstitial, and intra cavitary applications for tumors with known radio sensitivity. The seeds may be used as a primary treatment or in conjunction with other treatment modalities, such as external beam radiation therapy, chemotherapy or as treatment for residual disease after excision of primary tumors. Contraindications: As with other brachytherapy sources, treatment of tumors in generally poor condition (e.g. ulcerated) is not recommended with Cesium-131 brachytherapy seeds due to the potential for source migration. Prior to use, please reference the Cesium-131 Instructions for more information on indications, contraindications, warnings, all precautions, and adverse events.
Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.