High-dose-rate brachytherapy boost for carcinoma of external auditory canal.
OBJECTIVE
To report dosimetry and outcome in a case of early stage carcinoma of external ear (T1N0M0) treated with radical radiotherapy alone using a combination of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and intracavitary irradiation with a high-dose-rate (HDR) (192)Ir remote afterloading system.


METHODS
A 64-year-old gentleman who was diagnosed as T1N0M0 carcinoma of external ear was treated with combination of external beam radiation therapy followed by brachytherapy (BRT). A total dose of 40Gy was delivered by EBRT, following which a 6-Fr catheter for the HDR (192)Ir remote afterloader, fixed by a customized acrylic mold, was inserted into the external auditory canal (EAC) and a total intracavitary radiation dose of 22.5Gy (4.5Gy/F) was given.


RESULTS
Evaluation at the completion of treatment and at the end of 4-year followup revealed no evidence of the disease.


CONCLUSIONS
In the radical treatment of early stage EAC carcinoma, combination of external beam radiation therapy and BRT may be a modality of choice for its efficacy, less severe side effects, and better cosmetic results.
Budrukkar
Ashwini
A
Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India. ashwininb@yahoo.com
Bahl
Gaurav
G
Bhalavat
Rajendra
R
Laskar
Sarbani Ghosh
SG
Agarwal
Jai Prakash
JP
Jamema
Swamidas V
SV
Patil
Kalpana
K
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D004424:Ear Canal; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage