Comparing Initial CT to Subsequent MRI Image-Guided Intracavitary Cervical Cancer Brachytherapy

For cervical brachytherapy planning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is preferable to computed tomography (CT) for target delineation. However, due to logistical and financial restrictions, in-room MRI is not routinely available in brachytherapy centers in the United States. Our institution has created a workflow that integrates MRI based target delineation with an in-room CT scanner. After the initial fraction of CT guided brachytherapy is delivered, an MRI is acquired and fused to subsequent planning CT’s (fractions 2-5) with the aim of improving target coverage and improving conformality.