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Low dose rate brachytherapy in lip carcinoma
C Conill1, E Verger, J Marruecos
1Institute of Haematology and Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. cconill@clinic.ub.es
Summary
Low dose rate interstitial brachytherapy using 192-Iridium effectively treats lip cancer, achieving a 98% local cure rate. This radiation therapy offers a non-surgical option, particularly beneficial for elderly patients with lip carcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Lip cancer treatment commonly involves surgery, but radiation therapy presents comparable efficacy.
- Evaluating interstitial brachytherapy for lip carcinoma is crucial for treatment optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the local cure rate in lip carcinoma patients treated with 192-Iridium low dose rate interstitial brachytherapy.
- To determine the efficacy of brachytherapy as an alternative to surgery for lip cancer.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective evaluation of 54 patients (mean age 70 years) with lip carcinoma.
- Tumor stages included T1N0 (33 patients) and T2N0 (21 patients), primarily affecting the inferior lip (92.6%).
- 192-Iridium sources were implanted using needles (90.7%) or tubes (9.3%) following Paris system rules.
Main Results:
- A median dose of 61.5 Gy was administered.
- 98% of patients achieved local tumor control.
- Acute skin and mucositis (RTOG grade III) occurred but resolved within 4-6 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Low dose rate interstitial brachytherapy with 192-Iridium is an effective method for achieving local control in lip cancer.
- This brachytherapy technique provides a valuable non-surgical treatment option, especially for elderly lip carcinoma patients.
