Successful use of high dose rate brachytherapy for non-malignant bronchialobstruction

High dose rate (HDR) endobronchial brachytherapy is a palliative treatment for symptomatic airway obstruction by malignant tumours. We report a novel use of HDR brachytherapy for treating nonmalignant bronchial obstruction. T he patient had a metal stent placed in a reconstructed airway after a bronc hial tear to ensure patency, Granulation tissue formation in and around the stent caused symptomatic occlusion of the airway, necessitating multiple l aser applications. A single treatment of HDR brachytherapy (1000 cGy) was d elivered following laser therapy. The patient remains well 15 months after treatment with no evidence of recurrent granulation tissue formation on bro nchoscopy. HDR brachytherapy is an effective treatment for non-malignant ai rway obstruction.