Customized mold brachytherapy for oral carcinomas through use of high-dose-rate remote afterloading apparatus.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the combined use of customized molds and recently available remote afterloading brachytherapy apparatus with more flexible catheters in the treatment of superficial oral carcinomas.


METHODS
Four patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma who were treated through use of this combined technique were analyzed retrospectively. The molds were made from transparent acrylic resin through use of a dental technique. The combined approach was applied as a boost therapy after external irradiation.


RESULTS
The 4 patients had had no recurrence of tumor or radiation injury by the end of the follow-up period.


CONCLUSIONS
The combined technique could be an excellent method of treating superficial carcinomas of the oral cavity.
Ariji
E
E
Department of Radiology, Nagasaki University School of Dentistry, Japan.
Hayashi
N
N
Kimura
Y
Y
Uchida
T
T
Hayashi
K
K
Nakamura
T
T
D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D002404:Catheterization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009060:Mouth Floor; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D011881:Radiotherapy, Computer-Assisted; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods