RADIOACTIVE NEEDLE IMPLANT FOR HEAD AND NECK TUMOURS; IS IT A DYING ART?
Abstract
This paper aims to audit the treatment of head and neck tumours with radioactive needle implant techniques in our centre. A retrospective analysis of 50 patients who underwent this procedure from 1986 to 1994 was performed. Cancers of the oral tongue and buccal mucosa were the most common conditions treated, comprising 62% an 26% respectively. Prior external beam radiotherapy was employed in 70%. Implant doses ranged from 20 Gray to 75 Gray. The most frequent toxicity reported was mucositis (10%). While 33% remained free of recurrence, local recurrence was seen in 46%. Crude survival ranged from 1 to 126 months. Results for disease free survival and crude survival were better in the patients with node negative disease. Radioactive needle implants continue to play a significant role in early oral cavity tumours and should be considered in appropriate clinical situations.
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