Interstitial brachytherapy using iridium-192 for malignant brain tumors: clinical results
Liu, Z.; Yu, X.; Guo, Y.; Li, S.; Cui, Y.; Yu, X.; Yuan, Z.; Kang, J.
Chinese Medical Journal 112(2): 139-142
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0366-6999 PMID: 11593580 Document Number: 506419
To determine the effects and toxicity of interstitial brachytherapy using iridium-192 on brain malignant gliomas. Between January 1992 and January 1995, 56 patients with anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme were treated with stereotactic brachytherapy using temporary high-activity iridium-192 sources. The median survival for patients receiving brachytherapy was 28 months. The survival rates at 1, 2, 3 years were 92.8%, 83.9% and 71.4% respectively. Brachytherapy may improve the control of local tumor and prolong the survival, when used in deep malignant brain gliomas, by temporary implanted high doses of iridium-192 sources.