Interventional Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy) for the Treatment of the Primary Lesion in Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Oral Vestibule.

BACKGROUND

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral vestibule is associated with significant surgical challenges, often requiring extensive resections with functional and cosmetic sequelae. Interventional radiotherapy (IRT, brachytherapy) may provide a function-preserving alternative.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 12 patients with primary oral vestibule SCC treated between February 2022 and March 2025. Eleven underwent high-dose-rate IRT (HDR-IRT) with curative intent after multidisciplinary tumor board evaluation. Clinical outcomes, toxicity, and functional preservation were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 11 patients treated with HDR-IRT, ten achieved a complete response. At a mean follow-up of 20 months, nine were alive and disease-free. Two-year disease-specific survival and overall survival were 86% and 78%, respectively. Acute toxicity was limited to grade II mucositis, and long-term sequelae were minimal, with only mild skin dyschromia. No patient developed trismus or Stensen's duct dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Exclusive HDR-IRT appears to be a safe, effective, and organ-preserving therapeutic option for selected oral vestibule SCCs; however, further studies in larger cohorts are needed to validate our findings.