Browsing by Author "Chino, Junzo"

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    ItemOpen Access
    A novel multi-modality imaging phantom for validating interstitial needle guidance for high dose rate gynecological brachytherapy.
    (Journal of applied clinical medical physics, 2023-10) Eckroate, Brett; Ayala-Peacock, Diandra; Venkataraman, Rajesh; Campelo, Sabrina; Chino, Junzo; Stephens, Sarah Jo; Kim, Yongbok; Meltsner, Sheridan; Raffi, Julie; Craciunescu, Oana

    Purpose

    To design, manufacture, and validate a female pelvic phantom for multi-modality imaging (CT, MRI, US) to benchmark a commercial needle tracking system with application in HDR gynecological (GYN) interstitial procedures.

    Materials and methods

    A GYN needle-tracking phantom was designed using CAD software to model an average uterus from a previous patient study, a vaginal canal from speculum dimensions, and a rectum to accommodate a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) probe. A target volume (CTVHR ) was designed as an extension from the cervix-uterus complex. Negative space molds were created from modeled anatomy and 3D printed. Silicone was used to cast the anatomy molds. A 3D printed box was constructed to house the manufactured anatomy for structural integrity and to accommodate the insertion of a speculum, tandem, needles, and TRUS probe. The phantom was CT-imaged to identify potential imperfections that might impact US visualization. Free-hand TRUS was used to guide interstitial needles into the phantom. The commercial tracking system was used to generate a 3D US volume. After insertion, the phantom was imaged with CT and MR and the uterus and CTVHR dimensions were verified against the CAD model.

    Results/conclusions

    The manufactured phantom allows for accurate visualization with multiple imaging modalities and is conducive to applicator and needle insertion. The phantom dimensions from the CAD model were verified with those from each imaging modality. The phantom is low cost and can be reproducibly manufactured with the 3D printing and molding processes. Our initial experiments demonstrate the ability to integrate the phantom with a commercial tracking system for future needle tracking validation studies.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Disparities in the surgical staging of high-grade endometrial cancer in the United States.
    (Gynecol Oncol Res Pract, 2017) Foote, Jonathan R; Gaillard, Stephanie; Broadwater, Gloria; Sosa, Julie A; Davidson, Brittany; Adam, Mohamed A; Secord, Angeles Alvarez; Jones, Monica B; Chino, Junzo; Havrilesky, Laura J
    BACKGROUND: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) recommend lymph node sampling (LNS) as a key component in the surgical staging of high-grade endometrial cancer. Our goal was to examine surgical staging patterns for high-grade endometrial cancer in the United States. METHODS: The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was searched for patients who underwent surgery for serous, clear cell, or grade 3 endometrioid endometrial cancer. Outcomes were receipt of LNS and overall survival (OS). Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine receipt of LNS in Stage I-III disease based on race (White vs. Black), income, surgical volume, and distance traveled to care. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used to assess OS based on stage, race, income, LNS, surgical volume, and distance traveled. RESULTS: Forty-two thousand nine hundred seventy-three patients were identified: 76% White, 53% insured by Medicare/Medicaid, 24% traveled >30 miles, and 33% stage III disease. LNS was similar among White and Black women (81% vs 82%). LNS was more common among >30 miles traveled (84% vs 81%, p < 0.001), higher surgical volume (83% vs 80%, p < 0.001), and academic centers (84% vs 80%, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, higher income, higher surgical volume, Charlson-Deyo score, and distance traveled were predictors of LNS. Stage III disease (HR 3.39, 95% CI 3.28-3.50), age (10-year increase; HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.61-1.66), lack of LNS (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.56-1.69), and low income (HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.14-1.27) were predictors of lower survival. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical care for high-grade endometrial cancer in the United States is not uniform. Improved access to high quality care at high volume centers is needed to improve rates of recommended LNS.