Customized Non-invasive Brachytherapy With Tailored Surface Moulds: An Experience From a Tertiary Care Centre

Surface mould brachytherapy (SMBT) is an effective non-invasive treatment option for patients with skin cancer and other superficial tumours. We describe the detailed technique of uniquely treated patients of various histology using customized tailor-made surface moulds and evaluated clinical outcomes, toxicity profile, and quality of life of patients treated with SMBT.

In this retrospective study, we have evaluated nine patients treated with surface moulds using iridium-192-based high-dose-rate brachytherapy.

The median age was 34 years. The histopathological diagnosis included squamous cell carcinoma (n=4), followed by giant cell tumour (n=2), and 1 each of angiosarcoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, and clear cell sarcoma. The most common radiotherapy dose schedule was 60-66 Gray at 2 Gray per fraction. After a median follow-up of 24 months, local control was 100%. At the end of five years, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 88.89%. The maximum acute skin and subcutaneous toxicity grade II was observed in 5 (55.6%) patients and grade III in 4 (44.4%) patients, maximum late toxicity was grade III in 3 (33.3%) patients. Poorer Dermatology Life Quality Index scores were statistically significantly associated with higher overdose index (>0) (P=.039), and V_150% >40% (P=.039).

SMBT is an effective modality to achieve excellent local control in patients of skin and superficial tumours. After five years, OS and DFS both were 88.89%. It was well tolerated with manageable grade II,III acute and late skin toxicities.