[Permanent interstitial implantation of 125I seeds for 5 cases of advanced head and neck cancer].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of 125I seeds implants in advanced head and neck cancer.

METHODS

Treatment fields were designed to encompass the tumor/edema volume with a 2-3 cm margin, based on assessment of diagnostic CT images, 125I seeds were inserted into there and permanent left there for brachytherapy in 5 patients with advanced head and neck cancer including recurrent oropharyngeal cancer, supraglottic cancer and occult cancer.

RESULTS

Local tumor were controlled evidently and the patients suffering were alleviated, but 1 case occurred skin necrosis and 1 case occurred skin necrosis combined with internal carotid rupture.

CONCLUSIONS

Permanent 125I implants offer useful pallition for patients with advanced recurrent head and neck cancer but need prevention fatal complication.