CLINICAL-EXPERIENCE WITH AN ENDOBRONCHIAL IMPLANT

PURPOSE: To report clinical experience with an implantable capsule for treating endobronchial carcinoma by means of bronchoscopic insertion and retrieval. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The capsule consists of a plasti c cylinder containing high-activity iodine-125 seeds and four restrain ing legs. Twelve patients with recurrent (n = 11) or inoperable carcin oma (n = 1) received a median dose of 4,500 (range, 2,633-6,299) cGy a t a 1-cm radius from the center of the implant.RESULTS: No acute toxic ities were observed. Five patients had complete regression of the endo bronchial tumor, evidenced at bronchoscopy 2 months after therapy, and four patients had partial regression. Three patients failed to return for bronchoscopy. Symptomatic relief was achieved in eight of 10 pati ents with dyspnea, four of nine with cough, and two of three with hemo ptysis. The median survival of the 12 patients was 6 months. The actua rial 1-year survival rate was 25%. CONCLUSION: This capsule is safe an d efficacious in treating recurrent or inoperable carcinoma of the lun g.