ULTRASOUND METHODS IN THE AFTERLOADING TH ERAPY FOR UTERUS MALIGNANCIES

The afterloading technique for radiation therapy of gynaecologic malig nancies has significant advantages for the patients as well as the med ical staff: a reduced risk of perforating the uterus, more accurate tr eatment planning, a more agreeable treatment environment for the patie nts and most importantly, a significant reduction of radiation exposur e for the medical staff. Using simple ultrasound methods, the localisa tion and the extent of the tumour to be treated by radiation therapy c an be assessed. With these data, the suitable isodose curves are selec ted. The distance to adjacent organs, especially of the loops of bowel next to the uterus which are normally not reached by dosimetric probe s, can be estimated and the information included into treatment planni ng, thus reducing the risk of radiation side effects. Futhermore, the insertion of afterloading applicators and dosimetric probes can be che cked by ultrasound making injury to the uterus and other organs less l ikely. At the same time, the correct position of the instruments is ve rified. For the ultrasonographic evaluation of the radiation response of primarily irradiated carcinomas more data are needed.