Gomez-Iturriaga, Alfonso

Background Interventional radiotherapy (IRT), also known as brachytherapy, has become a cornerstone of radiation oncology due to its ability to maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects to surrounding tissues. This bibliometric analysis aims to examine the evolution of IRT over the past decade. Material and Methods A string comprising IRT-related keywords was developed, and data were extracted from the Scopus database for English-language documents published between January 2014 and December 2024. The analysis was performed using Bibliometrix package Results A total of 15 755 documents from 2150 sources were analyzed, revealing an average annual growth rate of 1.03%. Publication trends were stable from 2014 to 2018, surged from 2019, and peaked in 2021, with subsequent levels remaining above pre-2019 figures. Original articles accounted for 72.7% of the literature, with key contributions from journals such as “Brachytherapy” and the “Journal of Contemporary Brachytherapy”. The analysis highlighted strong collaborative networks, with significant input from North American and European institutions, and identified focal research themes including uterine cervical cancer and prostate brachytherapy. Emerging topics, such as deep learning, artificial intelligence, and personalized dosimetry, underscore the field's shift towards precision medicine. Conclusions The findings reflect IRT's dynamic research landscape and its growing integration into modern oncologic practice, emphasizing the need for continued interdisciplinary efforts and clinical trials to advance this minimally invasive treatment modality further. Highlights • A decade-long bibliometric analysis of 15 755 publications on interventional radiotherapy (IRT) reveals stable growth, with a notable surge in research activity post-2019. • Uterine, cervical, and prostate cancers remain the most studied clinical indications for IRT globally. • North American and European institutions dominate collaborative networks, reflecting the strength of transatlantic research partnerships. • Emerging research themes include artificial intelligence, deep learning, and personalized dosimetry—marking a transition toward precision oncology. • The field's evolving landscape highlights the increasing clinical and scientific significance of IRT in contemporary cancer care.

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of PSMA PET versus conventional imaging for staging, and the effect of dose escalation (DE) to metastatic lymph nodes in cN1 prostate cancer patients treated with EBRT and ADT. Methods: A retrospective multicenter analysis included 197 propensity score-matched patients (77 staged with PSMA PET, 120 with conventional imaging) treated with EBRT and ADT, with or without DE to lymph node metastases. Matching criteria were T stage, nodal involvement, imaging modality, Gleason score, and ADT duration. Primary endpoint was metastasis-free survival (MFS); secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), locoregional control (LRC), and toxicity. Results: Median follow-up was 42 months (IQR: 25–59). Median EQD2 (alpha/beta=1.5) to elective nodes was 46 Gy, and to metastatic nodes, 66 Gy (PSMA PET) and 63 Gy (conventional imaging). The 3-year MFS was 80.5% (95% CI: 71.3–90.8%) for PSMA PET and 77.2% (95% CI: 69.5–85.8%) for conventional imaging; 5-year MFS was 59.3% versus 65.8% ( P =0.57). OS at 5 years was 82.2% (PSMA PET) and 77.4% (conventional imaging) ( P =0.72). On multivariable analysis, ISUP grade group 3–5 predicted earlier metastasis (HR: 4.03, 95% CI: 1.61–10.06; P =0.003); higher prostate dose (EQD2 ≥113 Gy) improved MFS (HR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.30–0.95; P =0.033); long-term ADT (≥24 mo) improved OS (HR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.19–0.78; P =0.009). No significant difference in toxicity was observed between groups. Conclusions: PSMA PET staging and nodal dose escalation >60 Gy were safe but did not improve MFS, OS, or LRC. ISUP grade group 3–5 and higher prostate dose significantly influenced outcomes.