Transnasal permanent interstitial implantation for carcinoma of the nasopharynx

A technique for transnasal permanent interstitial implantation of the nasopharynx with 125I seeds is described. This technique allows the precise placement of radioactive sources into mucosal and submucosal tumors, without the need for palatal fenestration. Preliminary results in 10 patients treated by this technique for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma are presented. In the future we also hope to employ this technique for delivering "boost" irradiation to the primary site, in the initial definitive management of carcinoma of the nasopharynx.