Interstitial brachytherapy using iridium-192 for malignant brain tumors: clinical results

Objective To determine the effects and toxicity of interstitial brachythera py using iridium-192 on brain malignant gliomas. Methods Between January 1992 and January 1995, 56 patients with anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme were treated with stereotactic brac hytherapy using temporary high-activity iridium-192 sources. Results The median survival for patients receiving brachytherapy was 28 mon ths. The survival rates at 1, 2, 3 years were 92.8%, 83.9% and 71.4% respec tively. Conclusions Brachytherapy may improve the control of local tumor and prolon g the survival, when used in deep malignant brain gliomas, by temporary imp lanted high doses of iridium-192 sources.