The role of 125I interstitial brachytherapy for inoperable parotid gland carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The treatment of inoperable parotid gland carcinoma is challenging and controversial. The purpose of this paper was to present our experience in treating this malignancy using 125I interstitial brachytherapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirteen patients with advanced carcinomas of the parotid gland were included and treated with 125I interstitial brachytherapy in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from January 2003 to December 2015. All patients were treated with 125I interstitial brachytherapy as a sole modality for the primary tumor. Furthermore, all of them were treated with neck dissection with/without adjunctive external beam radiotherapy for the neck, simultaneously. The prescription dose of interstitial brachytherapy was 140-160 Gy.

RESULTS

Median followup was 56 months (range: 8-105 months). The 2-year and 5-year local control rates were 91.7% and 58.2%, respectively. The 2-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 100% and 61%, respectively. No cervical lymph node metastasis was observed during the followup. No interstitial brachytherapy-related severe complications occurred. Facial nerve function was preserved well.

CONCLUSIONS

125I interstitial brachytherapy is a feasible and effective treatment for inoperable parotid gland carcinomas without severe complications. And neck dissection with/without external beam radiotherapy is necessary for patients with cervical metastasis or at high risk of cervical metastasis.