A case of subglottic carcinoma effectively treated with intraluminal irradiation using low dose rate iridium-192 thin wires combined with external beam irradiation

Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2003 Feb;33(2):89-92. doi: 10.1093/jjco/hyg016.

Abstract

Subglottic carcinoma is rare and has a poor prognosis. It is usually treated with surgical resection, external beam irradiation (EBR) and/or a combination of both. Intraluminal irradiation (IR) as a curative treatment for subglottic carcinoma has never been reported. We report a case of subglottic carcinoma in a 66-year-old man, who was effectively treated with IR combined with EBR. IR was conducted using low dose rate iridium-192 thin wires at a subglottic mucosal dose of 5.1-6.0 Gy per fraction, with a total dose of 43.8 Gy in eight fractions. EBR was administered, using cobalt-60 and 6 MV X-rays delivered at 2 Gy per fraction, with a total dose of 66 Gy in 33 fractions. Complete response was obtained without serious complications and no recurrence occurred in the 79-month follow-up period. IR combined with EBR is useful as a potential curative treatment. It should be considered as one of the treatment options for subglottic carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brachytherapy / instrumentation
  • Brachytherapy / methods*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy*
  • Dose Fractionation, Radiation
  • Humans
  • Iridium Radioisotopes / therapeutic use*
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Male
  • Radiotherapy, Conformal / instrumentation
  • Radiotherapy, Conformal / methods*

Substances

  • Iridium Radioisotopes