Hyperfractionated high-dose rate brachytherapy in the treatment of oral tongue cancer
Abstract
Background
Low-dose rate brachytherapy is a well established treatment modality of oral cancer. Data about high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy are still sparse with various fractionation schedules and heterogeneous results.
Aim
The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the results of HDR brachytherapy with doses of 3[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]Gy twice daily.
Patients and methods
Twenty patients with squamous cell tongue cancer were treated in the years 2001–2009 by exclusive HDR BT 18[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]×[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]3[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]Gy twice daily. The plastic tube technique was used. Median follow up was 47 months (7.8–118) since brachytherapy.
Results
The local and locoregional control was 85% and 68%, respectively. Bone necrosis developed in one case treated without mandibular shielding and soft tissue necrosis in 2 cases.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that HDR brachytherapy with 18[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]×[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]3[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]Gy twice daily is safe with promising local control. The risk of nodal recurrences is substantial.
Keywords: Oral cancerHigh-dose rate brachytherapy