Augmented reality in brachytherapy: A narrative review

Martina Ferioli; Federica Medici; Ludovica Forlani; Savino Cilla; Bruno Fionda; Silvia Cammelli; Lidia Strigari; Luca Tagliaferri; Alessio G. Morganti; Milly Buwenge

doi:10.5114/jcb.2024.137779

eISSN: 2081-2841
ISSN: 1689-832X

Journal of Contemporary Brachytherapy

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1/2024
vol. 16

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abstract:

Review paper

Augmented reality in brachytherapy: A narrative review

Martina Ferioli

^{1, 2}

,

Federica Medici

²

,

Ludovica Forlani

²

,

Savino Cilla

³

,

Bruno Fionda

⁴

,

Silvia Cammelli

^{1, 2}

,

Lidia Strigari

¹

,

Luca Tagliaferri

⁴

,

Alessio G. Morganti

^{1, 2}

,

Milly Buwenge

²

Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Radiation Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum – Bologna University, Bologna, Italy
Medical Physics Unit, Gemelli Molise Hospital, Campobasso, Italy
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS; Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Rome, Italy

J Contemp Brachytherapy 2024; 16, 1: 57–66

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/jcb.2024.137779

Online publish date: 2024/02/29

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Brachytherapy (BRT) plays a pivotal role in the treatment of tumors, offering precise radiation therapy directly to the affected area. However, this technique demands extensive training and skills development, posing challenges for widespread adoption and ensuring patient safety. This narrative review explored the utilization of augmented reality (AR) in BRT, seeking to summarize existing evidence, discuss key findings, limitations, and quality of research as well as outline future research directions. The review revealed promising findings regarding the integration of AR in BRT. Studies have suggested the feasibility and potential benefits of AR in education, training, intra-operative guidance, and treatment planning. However, the evidence remains limited and heterogeneous, with most studies in preliminary phases. Standardization, prospective clinical trials, patient-centered outcomes assessment, and cost-effectiveness analysis emerge as critical areas for future research. Augmented reality holds transformative potential for BRT by enhancing precision, safety, and training efficiency. To fully implement these benefits, the field requires standardized protocols, rigorous clinical trials, and in-depth patient-centered investigations. Policy-makers and healthcare providers should closely monitor developments in AR and consider its implementation in clinical practice, contingent and robust evidence, and cost-effectiveness analysis. The pro-active pursuit of evidence-based practices will contribute to optimizing patient care in BRT.

keywords:

Augmented reality in brachytherapy: A narrative review

Martina Ferioli 1, 2 , Federica Medici 2 , Ludovica Forlani 2 , Savino Cilla 3 , Bruno Fionda 4 , Silvia Cammelli 1, 2 , Lidia Strigari 1 , Luca Tagliaferri 4 , Alessio G. Morganti 1, 2 , Milly Buwenge 2

literature review, narrative review, brachytherapy, training, augmented reality, mixed reality

Martina Ferioli

^{1, 2}

,

Federica Medici

²

,

Ludovica Forlani

²

,

Savino Cilla

³

,

Bruno Fionda

⁴

,

Silvia Cammelli

^{1, 2}

,

Lidia Strigari

¹

,

Luca Tagliaferri

⁴

,

Alessio G. Morganti

^{1, 2}

,

Milly Buwenge

²