Ashmi Patel (M3) recently presented a radiation oncology and urology primary research project titled “A Feasibility Study on Utilizing a Cadaveric Training Model for Novel Robotic Bladder Cancer Brachytherapy Techniques” at the American Brachytherapy Society’s 2022 conference in Denver. The manuscript from the presentation was submitted and is currently under review for publication in the Brachytherapy Journal.
The project is a proof-of-concept model on the ability to use the Methodist Institute for Teaching, Innovation and Education (MITIE) facility as a training center for brachytherapy techniques, which involve the specific implementation of radioactive pellets for the localized delivery of radiation for cancer. In conducting the research, the team used a cadaver as a training model in MITIE while working on assembling surgical equipment and practicing the techniques in a MITIE simulated sterile surgical environment.
Patel said they hope to build a network of centers like MITIE nationwide to allow residents and attending physicians to train and become familiar with the techniques.
“Ideally, this will promote the use of brachytherapy in comparison to more radical treatments like cystectomy (removing the bladder) for cancer,” said Patel.