High-dose-rate and pulsed-dose-rate brachytherapy in palliative treatment of head and neck cancers

Abstract Purpose The main purpose of the study was to assess the results of high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDRBT) and pulsed-dose-rate brachytherapy (PDRBT) in the palliative treatment of patients with locally or regionally recurrent head and neck cancers. The detailed aims concerned the evaluation of these methods in the context of local control, survival, and complications rates in patients subgrouped by different parameters such as age, gender, primary and recurrent tumor localization, tumor size, treatment method (HDR/PDR), primary treatment method, and radiation dose applied. Methods and Materials PDRBT and HDRBT were used in 106 and 50 patients, respectively. In 8 patients, BT procedures were performed in combination with simultaneous chemotherapy. Sixteen patients were additionally treated with interstitial hyperthermia. All patients were regularly followed up within 6 months. Local control, complications, and survival were assessed. Materials included 156 patients with head and neck cancers treated palliatively with HDRBT and PDRBT in the Department of Otolaryngology of Poznań University of Medical Sciences and in the Department of Brachytherapy of Greater Poland Cancer Center from January 2002 to November 2008. Results Complete and partial remissions 6 months after finishing the treatment were achieved in 37.7% of patients, whereas survival rates 12 and 24 months after brachytherapy were estimated for 40% and 17%, respectively. The overall complications rate was 35%. Conclusions Our results suggest that HDRBT and PDRBT constitute a safe alternative in the palliative treatment of patients with locally or regionally recurrent head and neck cancers with a relapse in a previously irradiated area, which were not qualified or rejected surgery. It gives a good palliative effect with acceptable complication rate.