Individual moulds for contact pulsed dose rate brachytherapy in head and neck cancer

Abstract

Aim

To present three cases treated with contact pulsed dose rate (PDR) brachytherapy using individually prepared moulds.

Materials/Methods

The study group included one case of hard palate cancer treated with brachytherapy, applied as a boost to external beam radical irradiation and two cases of recurrent ethmoid and maxillary sinus cancer in which we administered palliative brachytherapy as the sole treatment for tumours located within previously irradiated areas.

Results

Good fitting of the moulds to the target was obtained. Satisfactory local control, including complete hard palate cancer remission for six years, and acceptable side effects were achieved.

Conclusions

Contact PDR brachytherapy using individually constructed moulds allows for the treatment of anatomical structures with difficult access. This method seems to be an effective and relatively safe treatment option for tumours located within previously irradiated areas.