Therapeutic effect comparison of interstitial implantation of ^125I seeds and general radiotherapy after surgery of recurrent malignant gliomas

Abstract

Objective To observe the efficacy and complications of iodine-125 radioactive seeds implantation after surgery of recurrent malignant gliomas. Methods Fifty-eight patients with recurrent gliomas, admitted to our hospital from September 2006 to January 2010, were randomly divided into observation group （n=26） and control group （n=32）. All patients accepted tumor subtotal resection. Patients in the observation group were implanted with iodine-125 seeds which were planned by therapy planning system （TPS） depending on the tumor size and position. Patients in the control group were irradiated at 50-60 Gy after the operations. Patients from both groups were followed up for 3 years, and the l-year and 3-year survival rates, median survival time, complications and quality of life were observed. Results The survival rate of 1-year of observation group and control group was 46.2% and 34.4%, without significant difference （P〉0.05）, while that of 3-years time was 19.2% and 12.5%, with significant difference （P〈0.05）. The average survival time of the two groups was （15.6±2.5） months to （9.4±1.3） months, with statistically significant difference （P〈0.05）. No severe complications （grade four or higher than grade four） were noted; lower rates of dizziness and headache were found in observation group as compared with those in control group （P=0.030, P=0.035）. Conclusions The iodine-125 radioactive seeds implantation after surgery of recurrent malignant gliomas not only can improve the survival rate and prolong survival time, but also reduce radiation brain damage to improve the life quality. So it is a safe and effective treatment, and worth of applicattion in clinic. Key words: Malignant glioma; Iodine-125 seeds implantation; Radiotherapy