Clinical evaluation of Iodine-125 brachytherapy for cholangiocarcinoma / 中华消化内镜杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate efficacy and safety of Iodine-125 seeds used in brachytherapy for cholangiocarcinoma.Methods A total of 65 cases of cholangiocarcinoma patients were diagnosed and treated with ERCP.The Iodine-125 seeds were implanted into bile duct cavity by self-made carrier (applicator) in various ways, and Iodine-125 seeds were replaced to improve the local irradiation dose.Follow-up was regularly made through endoscopy and ultrasonography to evaluate feasibility, efficacy and complications.Results Self-expanding metal stents, single or double plastic stents were successfully placed in 65 patients.At first , single row of Iodine-125 seeds were inserted to 59 patients, double row Iodine-125 were inserted to 6 patients , and the average activity of the first irradiation was 5.775 mCi.Iodine-125 were replaced in 4 patients after three months, in 41 patients after six months, in 5 patients after one year.The total dose was up to 14 mCi.In the follow-up of 6-35 months, the longest survival time was 35 months in two patients, where the Iodine-125 seeds were replaced 3 times as a whole and there was no serious complications.Conclusion Iodine-125 brachytherapy on cholangiocarcinoma by ERCP, where biliary stents and Iodine-125 seeds can be replaced at any time , is convenient, less invasive and can obviously prolong survival time.