[Individual silicon applicator for nasopharyngeal brachytherapy].
BACKGROUND
Beyond surgery, conventional radiation therapy, and chemotherapy brachytherapy may enrich treatment of primary, residual, or recurrent head and neck cancer. Nasopharyngeal cancer is a proper indication for intracavitary brachytherapy which can be performed using a commercial applicator system or an individual applicator.


METHODS
Technique for manufacturing an individual nasopharyngeal silicon applicator and its experiences in 3 patients (2 times brachytherapy in treatment regime of primary nasopharyngeal cancer, 1 time for nasopharyngeal lymphoma treatment) are presented.


RESULTS
Under general anaesthesia in all 3 patients nasopharyngeal imprinting after placement of two suction tubes was performed with shore 12 silicon and followed by manufacturing the individual silicon applicator with two included tubes after plaster cast of the imprinting form has been performed. This silicon applicator enabled safe endocavitary brachytherapy using the high-dose-rate-afterloading-method. Tumor control was achieved in all 3 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The presented individual silicon applicator is suited for intracavitary brachytherapy of the nasopharynx being an valuable contribution in the primary treatment regime of nasopharyngeal cancer.
Schick
B
B
Klinik und Poliklinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes. bernhard.schick@uniklinik-saarland.de
Weiss
R
R
Niewald
M
M
Schneider
M H
MH
D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012828:Silicones
D012828:Silicones