Real-time Electromagnetic Seed Drop Detection Validation for Low-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy: An Approach Exploiting RF/Electromagnetic Technologies

8.9-56.8%, STD 13.43) and 55.1% (range 27.1-93.5%, STD 17.05), respectively (summarized in Figure 1). Conclusions: We identified considerable anatomic variation regarding the location and size of the NVEs as defined by MRI. Overall, the NVEs had the greatest amount of variability at the prostate base and midgland, whereas at the apex, the NVEs tended to maintain the traditional dorsolateral relationship to the prostate. However, there is still considerable variation in the NVEs at the apex as demonstrated by the percentage of circumferential involvement; ranging from 2.4% to 20%. Given the ability to quantify the large anatomic variability of the NVEs on MRI, studies correlating sexual function and actual dose to NVE are now possible. Steep dose gradients from prostate brachytherapy may have an advantage over IMRT based gradients in treatment planning to restrict NVE dose.