Abstract
A new technique for afterloading intracavity treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with iridium-192sources (Microselectron, Nucletron) is described. From May 1993 to June 1994, six nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients received 42-62Gy by megavoltage external radiation therapy to the primary site. At one month after completion of external beams, five patients were treated with 24Gy/ 3 fractions / 3 weeks and one patient was given 40Gy / 5 fractions using the Microselectron. Acute complications were noted in two patients: in one - mucositis and in another - ulceration, but there were no late complications During the followup period (8 to 14 months), five patients have survived (one recurrences) and one patient has died. In conclusion, we found to be able to deliver an extra dose to the nasopharynx while saving the brain stem and other adjacent tissues by remote afterloading applicators.
