Science University Research Symposium (SURS)
Creation of custom phantom to mimic gynecological brachytherapy with interstitial needles
Publication Date
12-2025
College
College of Sciences & Mathematics
Department
Chemistry and Physics, Department of
SURS Faculty Advisor
Krista McBridw
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
American Cancer Society estimates that, in 2025, there will be 118,920 new cases of cancers of the female genital system, with 34,650 estimated deaths. (1) The current standard of care for cervical cancer is to supplement external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and chemotherapy with brachytherapy, as it delivers a more precise dose of radiation. The primary tumor receives higher levels of radiation while minimizing exposure the surrounding organs at risk (OAR). (2) Ultrasound technology allows for live imaging of interstitial needle placement, whereas methods like computed tomography (CT) and fluoroscopy rely on static images. (3) This experiment simulated brachytherapy treatment of a gynecologic tumor with a custom phantom and interstitial needles. The phantom was created by digital 3D modeling and a mixture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastisol. The needles were placed within the phantom, and images of the configuration were taken with CT, MRI, and ultrasound via a transrectal ultrasound probe (TRUS). The custom phantom was viable for producing images of the interstitial needles under both CT and ultrasound.
Recommended Citation
https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2025/2025-cancer-facts-and-figures-acs.pdf doi={10.1016/j.ijrobp.2013.05.033} doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brachy.2018.04.006}
