[Brachytherapy: endobronchial irradiation for primary and secondary bronchial tumors]

Intrabronchial obstruction is one of the serious complications of primary and secondary lung tumors. Brachytherapy (intraluminal irradiation) aims at palliation and opening airway obstruction. Of our first 10 patients, 4 had primary and 6 metastatic pulmonary lesions. Brachytherapy was administered through the fiberoptic bronchoscope under topical anesthesia from a 192iridium source delivered with an afterload system. In 3 patients laser therapy was used initially. In 6 complete opening of the airway was achieved, and in 3 others partial opening. In all patients there was symptomatic relief without significant side-effects. We conclude that endobronchial brachytherapy is a safe, useful procedure for palliation of malignant endobronchial obstruction.