| 摘要 |
A brachytherapy applicator and method of use involve source guides that assume a desired curving, non-linear configuration. A flexible source catheter follows the shape of the source guides when inserted therein. Radiation dose received in various tissue areas can be better controlled using the invention, and the ratio of cavity surface dose to prescription depth dose can be lowered. With sequential manipulation of the source via movement of the catheter, the applicator can deliver radiotherapy to a treatment plan with local variation to prevent overdose, through either stepped or continuous movement of the source. Source guides can be fixed in position and arranged in bowed configuration around a generally central balloon axis, either attached to the balloon wall or not, and the series of off-center guides can be used to shape the dose delivered.
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