Bronchoscopic delivery of lipiodol as a fiducial marker in lung tumors before radiotherapy

Abstract

Definitive radiotherapy treatment of thoracic tumors may be hampered by poor tumor visualization on radiological imaging and the effects of tumor motion. Fiducial markers act to enhance tumor visualization and tracking. Traditional solid fiducial markers, however, may result in complications, particularly in proximal lung lesions. These complications may be mitigated through the use of a liquid fiducial marker. This article presents four cases which demonstrate the feasibility of bronchoscopic delivery of lipiodol as a fiducial marker, to aid in guided radiotherapy for certain lung tumors.