Application of Brachytherapy in Postoperative Treatment of Keloid-Prone Patients.

BACKGROUND

Keloids are benign fibroproliferative tumors that often recur after surgical excision. Combining surgery with postoperative radiotherapy has emerged as a potential treatment strategy, though optimal radiotherapy protocols remain debated.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to preliminarily evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single high-dose brachytherapy session administered within 8 h after surgical excision in keloid-prone patients in a retrospective setting.

METHODS

A retrospective case series analysis was conducted on 32 patients who underwent surgical excision of keloids followed by a single 8 Gy Ir-192 brachytherapy session within 8 h postoperatively. Treatment outcomes and adverse reactions were assessed over a 1-year follow-up period.

RESULTS

Among the 32 patients, 25 were cured, 5 showed significant improvement, and 2 were ineffective, yielding a total effective rate of 93.75%. No severe radiation-induced skin reactions (Grade III/IV) or abnormalities in thyroid or estrogen levels were observed.

CONCLUSION

In this small retrospective series, single-dose 8 Gy brachytherapy administered within 8 h after surgical excision was associated with a high response rate and no severe adverse events. These findings suggest it may be a potentially useful outpatient treatment option for keloids, though further comparative studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.