Three-Dimensional Printed Plate-Guided ¹²⁵I Brachytherapy for Malignant Parotid Tumors

The treatment of malignant parotid tumors with ¹²⁵I brachytherapy is rarely reported. This study evaluated the efficacy and dose and response of ¹²⁵I brachytherapy in patients with malignant tumors.

From July 2014 through August 2017, 39 patients with malignant parotid tumors were treated with ¹²⁵I brachytherapy. Thirty-five patients were treated with conservative surgical resection before brachytherapy. Four patients were treated with brachytherapy alone. Clinical outcomes and side effects were evaluated. Clinical factors were investigated to determine correlations with local control (LC) and side effects.

Mean follow-up was 25 months (range, 7 to 47 months). The LC rate was 87.2% and the overall survival rate was 97.4%. High tumor grade and large tumor showed a propensity for local recurrence. Acute skin toxicity occurred in 87.2% of patients and grade 3 and 4 radioepidermitis was found in 20.5% of patients. In total, 89.7% of patients with facial nerve dysfunction recovered within 12 months.

¹²⁵I brachytherapy was a feasible treatment option for patients with malignant parotid tumors. Although side effects were minimal, strict follow-up was necessary for patients treated with a high dose.