Onkologie. 2025:19(1):6-10 | DOI: 10.36290/xon.2025.001
Interstitial brachytherapy of head and neck tumors
- Klinika onkologie a radioterapie, Fakultní nemocnice Hradec Králové
- Lékařská fakulta, Univerzita Karlova v Hradci Králové
Interstitial brachytherapy (BT) is an effective method for the treatment of head and neck tumours, especially as an adjunct to external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and surgery, and in some cases as a stand-alone treatment. This method consists in the implantation of a radionuclide source directly into the tumour or the postoperative bed, allowing targeted radiation dosing with high local control and minimal damage to surrounding tissues. BT is most commonly used for tumours of the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth and buccal mucosa. The use of BT alone is suitable for early stages, while more advanced cases can be treated in combination with EBRT, when BT represents dose boost. In addition, it can serve as salvage therapy for recurrent tumors in an already irradiated site. Due to the possibility of precise radiation distribution, BT minimizes long-term side effects and improves the quality of life of patients. However, the main disadvantages include the technical and personnel requirements as well as the invasiveness of the procedure.
Keywords: interstitial brachytherapy, radiotherapy, head and neck tumors, dose escalation, reirradiation, planning, imaging techniques.
Accepted: February 27, 2025; Published: March 10, 2025 Show citation
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