Hyperfractionated high-dose rate brachytherapy in the treatment of oral tongue cancer

AbstractBackgroundLow-dose rate brachytherapy is a well established treatment modality of oral cancer. Data about high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy are still sparse with various fractionation schedules and heterogeneous results.AimThe aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the results of HDR brachytherapy with doses of 3Gy twice daily.Patients and methodsTwenty patients with squamous cell tongue cancer were treated in the years 2001–2009 by exclusive HDR BT 18×3Gy twice daily. The plastic tube technique was used. Median follow up was 47 months (7.8–118) since brachytherapy.ResultsThe local and locoregional control was 85% and 68%, respectively. Bone necrosis developed in one case treated without mandibular shielding and soft tissue necrosis in 2 cases.ConclusionIt can be concluded that HDR brachytherapy with 18×3Gy twice daily is safe with promising local control. The risk of nodal recurrences is substantial