Results of low- and high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy for T3 mobile tongue cancer

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the treatment results of low-dose-rate (LDR) and high-dose-rate (HDR) interstitial brachytherapy (ISBT) for T3 mobile tongue cancer. Material and methods: Between 1974 and 1992, 61 patients with T3 mobile tongue cancer were treated with LDR ISBT using 192Ir hairpins with or without single pins. In addition, between 1991 and 1999, 14 patients were treated with HDR ISBT. For nine patients treated with ISBT alone, the total dose was 59–94 Gy (median 72 Gy) within one week in LDR ISBT and 60 Gy/10 fractions/5 days in HDR ISBT. For 66 patients treated with a combination therapy of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and ISBT, the total dose was 12.5–60 Gy (median 30 Gy) of EBRT and 50–112 Gy (median 68 Gy) within 1 week in LDR ISBT or 32–60 Gy (median 48 Gy)/8–10 fractions/5–7 days in HDR ISBT. Results: The 2- and 3-year local control rates of all patients were both 68%. The 2- and 3-year local control rates of patients treated with LDR ISBT were both 67%, and those with HDR ISBT were both 71%. The local control rate of patients treated with HDR ISBT was similar to those with LDR ISBT. Conclusions: ISBT for T3 mobile tongue cancer is effective and acceptable. The treatment result of HDR ISBT is almost similar to that of LDR ISBT for T3 mobile tongue cancer.