Interstitial brachytherapy for skull base tumors.
1. Irrespective of the histology, all tumors responded to 125I permanent BT. 2. There were no intra- or postprocedural complications, making this modality extremely safe. 3. There were no acute or late complications attributable to continuous LDR radiation with 125I permanent BT. 4. The dose distribution can be tailored to fit the tumor shape by seed placement at the desired location and by selecting the seed strength. 5. Unlike any other radiation therapy procedure, with SBT, the placement of the 125I seed or seeds is verifiable at each step of the procedure on the CT screen, making the treatment more accurate. 6. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and the patient is observed overnight at the most, making it safe and cost-effective. 7. Most skull base tumors are located close to the brain, cranial nerves, or blood vessels. Tolerance of these vital structures to high doses of radiation when given continuously at a LDR makes this treatment method safe.
Kumar
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PP
Department of Radiology, James H. Quillen School of Medicine, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA.
Patil
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AA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D019292:Skull Base Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed