High-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy for the treatment of penile carcinoma.

BACKGROUND

Interstitial low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy allows conservative treatment of T1-T2 penile carcinoma. High dose-rate (HDR) is often considered to be dangerous for interstitial implants because of a higher risk of complications, but numerous reports suggest that results may be comparable to LDR. Nevertheless, there are no data in the literature available regarding HDR interstitial brachytherapy for carcinoma of the penis.

CASE REPORT: A 64-year-old man with T1 N0 M0 epidermoid carcinoma of the glans is reported. Interstitial HDR brachytherapy was performed using the stainless hollow needle technique and a breast template for fixation and good geometry. The dose delivered was 18 x 3 Gy twice daily.

RESULTS

After 232 days from brachytherapy, the patient was without any evidence of the tumor, experienced no serious radiation-induced complications, and had a fully functional organ.

CONCLUSION

HDR interstitial brachytherapy is feasible in selected case of penis carcinoma, when careful planning and small single fractions are used.