Interstitial HDR brachytherapy at non-melanoma skin cancer

Abstract

Despite a large number of recommendations for the installation of applicators with high-power brachytherapy, there are many controversial questions regarding the choice and placement of applicators, normalization and dose selection. Has been made an assessment the effectiveness of interstitial HDR brachytherapy under irradiation regimen of 32 Gy for 4 fractions when dosing twice a week. 46 patients with histologically confirmed non-melanoma skin cancer other localization were irradiated with MicroSelectron (radioactive source 192Ir) using interstitial HDR brachytherapy. The single focal dose was 8 Gy. The irradiation sessions were carried out 2 times a week, in total 4 fractions. The planning of the treatment process was carried out under 3D CT control. In five years of follow-up after the completion of the full course of interstitial HDR brachytherapy, 96 % of patients had complete regression of the primary tumor process and no radiation complications were observed, and 4 % had local relapses at an average of 18 months after treatment. Thus, the fractionation regime of 8 Gy 2 times a week, totaling 4 fractions, allows achieving a good local control of the primary tumor process. During the study period, no radiation complications were observed in this fractionation regime.