Tcm. Lo et al., LOW-DOSE RATE VERSUS HIGH-DOSE-RATE INTRALUMINAL BRACHYTHERAPY FOR MALIGNANT ENDOBRONCHIAL TUMORS, Radiotherapy and oncology, 35(3), 1995, pp. 193-197
Citations number
27
Categorie Soggetti
Oncology,"Radiology,Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Although the evolution from low dose rate to high dose rate brachyther
apy for malignant endobronchial malignancies was primarily based on ec
onomy, patient convenience, and radiation protection, the difference i
n therapeutic index, if any, between these two modalities must be kept
in mind. Our experience with both methods permits assessment of the f
easibility of replacing low dose rate brachytherapy with high dose rat
e brachytherapy. Results with our first 110 patients (group 1) treated
with low dose rate brachytherapy (133 procedures) were compared with
results with our initial 59 consecutive patients (group 2) treated wit
h high dose rate brachytherapy (161 procedures). In group 1, patients
were treated with one or two sessions of 30-60 Gy each calculated at a
1 cm radius. In patients in group 2, we aimed at three weekly session
s of 7 Gy each calculated at a 1 cm radius. External beam irradiation
therapy had previously been given to 88% of patients in group 1 and to
85% of patients in group 2. Laser bronchoscopy was performed in 36% o
f patients in group 1 and in 24% of patients in group 2 before brachyt
herapy. Clinical or bronchoscopic improvement was noted in 72% of pati
ents in group 1 and in 85% of patients in group 2 (p > 0.05). Complica
tion rates were low and comparable. Survival was similar in both group
s (median < 6 months). Although both low dose rate and high dose rate
brachytherapy appear equally effective in palliation for malignant end
obronchial obstruction, we are now practicing the latter exclusively.