Journal of International Obstetrics and Gynecology ›› 2023, Vol. 50 ›› Issue (2): 201-205.doi: 10.12280/gjfckx.20220751

• Research on Gynecological Malignancies: Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Application of 3D Printing Technique Combined with Brachytherapy in Cervical Cancer

QIN Yao, LI Jie-hui()   

  1. Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China (QIN Yao); Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical Hospital, Guiyang 550004, China (LI Jie-hui)
  • Received:2022-09-19 Published:2023-04-15 Online:2023-04-24
  • Contact: LI Jie-hui, E-mail: 512111848@qq.com

Abstract:

Brachytherapy is an essential part of radical radiotherapy of cervical cancer. However, traditional brachytherapy applicators are difficult to be placed, cannot be adapted to individualized local lesions, and have unsatisfactory dose distribution for some patients with recurrent postoperative stumps or eccentric or large cervical cancer, which then affects the efficacy and prognosis. Personalized radiotherapy products can be designed for each patient by utilizing 3D printing technology. Combination of 3D printing technology and brachytherapy can effectively improve accuracy of radiotherapy. The application of 3D printing technology in cervical cancer brachytherapy mainly includes the construction of cervical cancer model to preoperative planning and display tumor shape as well as anatomic relationship between tumor and surrounding tissues. It also includes the production of personalized applicator to reduce the occurrence of air gaps to achieve precise dose distribution. In addition, the design of parallel/oblique needle channel applicator and the optimization of needle channel and target dose distribution are also included. Applications of 3D printing technology in brachytherapy of cervical cancer have been summarized in the afore-mentioned areas. At the same time, the challenges in the development of 3D printing materials, system establishment and image guidance have been discussed.

Key words: Uterine cervical neoplasms, Printing, three-dimensional, Brachytherapy, Radiotherapy dosage, Applicator