Current Projects
Development of a Prototype Rotation System for Rectal Intensity Modulated Brachytherapy
High dose rate brachytherapy has proven to be an effective method used in treating rectal cancer. A remote afterloader delivers a radioactive source to pre-specified dwell positions and dwell times optimized by a software known as a treatment planning system, delivering a high radiation dose to tumors. Escalating the dose to the tumor is limited by the radioactive source’s rotationally symmetric radiation distribution, which causes irradiation of healthy tissue and, therefore, side effects of treatment. Intensity modulated brachytherapy addresses this problem using a dynamically rotating metallic shield, directing radiation toward the tumour and away from healthy tissue. Optimized and accurate shield rotation is crucial for targeting the treatment window. Enger Lab is currently developing a novel prototype delivery system for rectal intensity modulated brachytherapy.
This project aims to develop and validate the rotation mechanism of the rectal intensity modulated brachytherapy delivery system.