The role of 125 I 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 125 I interstitial brachytherapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirteen patients with advanced carcinomas of the parotid gland were included and treated with 125 I interstitial brachytherapy in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from January 2003 to December 2015. All patients were treated with 125 I 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: 125 I 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.