A Case of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Treated Curatively with ^<60>Co Intraluminal Irradiation

Abstract

Intraluminal irradiation has been used increasingly in an attempt to control inoperable endotracheobronchial malignant tumors. Recently combination of intraluminal irradiation with Nd-YAG laser vaporization has also been attempted. A case of adenoid cystic carcinoma extending widely around the carina was treated with ^<60>Co intraluminal irradiation following Nd-YAG laser debulking and Linac external beam irradiation. Ten days after ^<60>Co intraluminal irradiation, complete remission was obtained endoscopically. Finally, 5 months after intraluminal irradiation, this case died of hemoptysis. Autopsy revealed broncho- pulmonary arterial fistula which seemed to have been caused by necrosis due to compression by a Y-T tube inserted 3 weeks before her death. But, pathologically, there was no malignant tumor. It was recognized that ^<60>Co intraluminal irradiation can be very useful for adenoid cystic carcinoma. However, further clinical studies are required to fully clarify the effectiveness of this method.