Efficacy of CO2 laser combined with 32P-patch contact brachyradiotherapy for the treatment of keloids

Abstract

To investigate the efficacy of CO2 laser combined with 32P-patch contact brachyradiotherapy for the treatment of keloids. From 2001 to 2006, 121 cases with 151 keloids, which reoccurred after treatment with more than 2 methods, underwent continuous CO2 laser treatment to remove the hypertrophic scar tissue, following by ultra-pulse CO2 laser to treat the fresh granulation tissue. After wound healing, 32P-patch contact brachyradiotherapy was used for the lesion, 0.5-1 MBQ/cm2 for 72-96 hours, every 1-2 months. 2-3 treatment were applied. Among the 151 keloids, good result was achieved in 111 keloids, and effective result in 40 keloids. Adverse effect included hyperpigmentation in 21 lesions and hypopigmentation in 32 lesions. The patients were followed up for 2-6 years without relapse. CO2 laser combined with 32P-patch contact brachyradiotherapy is an effective and safe method for the treatment of recalcitrant keloids.