[Clinical application of 125I particle implantation in children with rhabdomysarcoma of the head and neck].
OBJECTIVE
To study the efficacy and safety of 125I particle implantation in the treatment of rhabdomysarcoma (RMS) of the head and neck in children.


METHODS
Eight children (four males and four females) with RMS of the head and neck received 125I particle implantation targeted to the primary lesion area. The primary lesions were noted in eyelids or eyes in two children, in the orbit in four children, and in the nasal cavity or nasal wing in two children. Treatment outcomes and side effects were observed.


RESULTS
The follow-up visits averaged 45±17 months (median 43 months) in the eight children receiving 125I particle implantation. Five children achieved a complete remission, 2 children achieved a complete remission and 1 child died. The total survival rate was 88% in the 8 children. Local pigmentation was observed in all eight children (100%). Nubecula (one case), eyeball pain (one case), serious blurred vision (one case), cornea ulcer and blindness (one case) and bleeding of the nasal cavity (one case) were also observed. Except for nubecula and blindness, these side effects were improved by symptomatic treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
125I particle implantation appears to be effective in the treatment of RMS of the head and neck in children. Most treatment-related side effects can be improved by symptomatic treatment.
Department of Pediatrics, Tongren Hospital, Captial Medical University, Beijing 100730, China.
Yi
Y
Zhang
Fang
F
Guo
Wei-Ling
WL
Zhang
Dong-Sheng
DS
Huang
Liang
L
Hong
Tao
T
Han
D000293:Adolescent; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D012208:Rhabdomyosarcoma / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes