Single-fraction image-guided high-dose-rate brachytherapy for head and neck cancer: three cases of palliative brachytherapy

Journal of Contemporary Brachytherapy
Yoshiaki OtaKei Yamada

Abstract

To present a small series of cases, in which single-fraction image-guided high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy was provided as palliative treatment for inoperable head and neck cancer cases. We used this technique to treat 3 patients with symptomatic head and neck cancer (tongue cancer, gingival metastasis of osteosarcoma, and external auditory canal cancer), who were not eligible for a definitive treatment. The purpose of palliative brachytherapy in all 3 patients was the relief of symptoms such as difficulty in eating, talking, and hearing. All patients were treated with computed tomography (CT) image-guided interstitial HDR brachytherapy under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting, with a single dose of 10 Gy. Satisfactory palliative effects were achieved in all cases without serious side effects. The palliative effects were sustained in 2 patients until death, and 1 patient lived for 39 weeks before a relapse. Our palliative treatment technique appears to be safe, effective, and less invasive, and could be a treatment option for symptomatic patients with head and neck cancer.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Auditory Perception

Auditory perception is the ability to receive and interpret information attained by the ears. Here is the latest research on factors and underlying mechanisms that influence auditory perception.