[Short-range x-ray therapy of cancer of the lower lip in its early stages]

The paper is concerned with the analysis of the results of brachytherapy of 169 patients with early stages of lower lip vermilion border cancer T1N0M0 in 81 patients, T2N0M0 in 85 and T3N1M0 in 3). Dosimetric planning was performed. The RUM-21 apparatus being at 60-100 kV, a single focal dose was 3.5-3.6 Gy, the total focal dose 55-60 Gy (5 fractions a week). Complete tumor regression in the absence of cosmetic defects or trophic changes was achieved in all the patients. Recurrences developed in 4 patients 1.5-3 yrs. after therapy. A low metastasizing index was noted to the regional lymph nodes. The results obtained indicated a high effectiveness of brachytherapy for early stages of lower lip vermilion border cancer.