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Brachytherapy of brain tumors
P K Sneed1, P H Gutin, M D Prados
1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco.
Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Temporary implants using 125iodine sources (brachytherapy) show promise for treating brain tumors. This technique, particularly for recurrent gliomas and glioblastoma multiforme, offers improved survival rates for selected patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiation Oncology
- Oncology
Background:
- Temporary implants of high-activity 125iodine sources have been utilized for brain tumor treatment since 1979.
- Brachytherapy has been explored as a therapeutic option for various brain tumor types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of 125iodine brachytherapy in treating primary and recurrent brain tumors.
- To assess survival outcomes for patients with glioblastoma multiforme and nonglioblastoma gliomas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patients treated with 125iodine brachytherapy.
- Comparison of survival data for different treatment strategies: external beam radiation therapy with implant boost, brachytherapy alone, and combined hyperthermia with brachytherapy.
Main Results:
- For previously untreated glioblastoma multiforme (GM), median survival was 88 weeks; for nonglioblastoma gliomas (NGM), it was 157 weeks.
- For recurrent GM treated with brachytherapy alone, median survival was 54 weeks; for recurrent NGM, it was 81 weeks.
- Combined hyperthermia and brachytherapy showed varied results, with 18-month survival of 65% for NGM.
Conclusions:
- 125iodine brachytherapy is a potentially useful technique for selected recurrent brain tumors.
- The technique may also be beneficial for specific cases of primary glioblastomas.
- Further investigation into combined hyperthermia and brachytherapy is warranted.