Postoperative radiotherapy with high dose rate iridium 192 mould for prevention of earlobe keloids.
BACKGROUND
A 50% to 80% recurrence rate of earlobe keloids can occur following a simple excision. Many modalities, including radiotherapy, have been suggested to reduce the postoperation recurrence.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of postoperative radiotherapy by a high dose rate Iridium 192 mould in the prevention of earlobe keloids recurrence.


METHODS
Between March 1999 and March 2003, 22 patients with 24 earlobe keloids were treated by radiotherapy immediately following surgical excision. A dose of 15 Gray in 3 fractions was delivered at a point placed 5 mm from the axis of the Iridium sources.


RESULTS
From the 22 patients with 24 keloids who were treated, 15 patients with 16 keloids were followed for a minimum of 6 months. Recurrence occurred in two keloids (12.5%). There were no severe adverse effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Postoperative radiotherapy by high dose rate Iridium 192 mould was an effective prevention of earlobe keloids recurrence. It was well tolerated and did not present any significant side effects.
Narkwong
Ladawan
L
Radiation Oncology Division, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. ralnw@mahidol.ac.th
Thirakhupt
Poth
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004431:Ear, External / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007496:Iridium Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007627:Keloid / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D055502:Secondary Prevention
D007496:Iridium Radioisotopes; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals