A modified afterloading technique for small implants using iridium-192 wires for interstitial therapy

A new method is described for small iridium-192 wire implants upon the skin of the face. The method is a miniaturisation of a technique described previously (Paine, 1972), and has the advantage that is results in less scarring and therefore a better cosmetic end-result than in the case when the more conventional wide-bore tubing is employed. This new method produces similar clinical results in terms of tumour cure to other methods, and a degree of after-loading helps in radiation protection.