Computed tomography-guided iodine-125 interstitial implantation as an alternative treatment option for lung cancer.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim was to evaluate the safety, feasibility and efficacy of computed tomography (CT)‑guided percutaneous interstitial brachytherapy using radioactive iodine‑125 (125I) seeds for the treatment of lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Included in this study were 45 male and 35 female patients aged 52–85 years (mean 72‑year) who were diagnosed with lung cancer. Of the 80 cases of lung cancer, 38 were pathologically confirmed as squamous cell carcinoma, 29 as adenocarcinoma, 2 as small cell lung cancer, and 11 as metastatic lung cancer. Percutaneous interstitial implantation of radioactive 125I seeds was performed under CT guidance. The treatment planning system was used to reconstruct three‑dimensional images of the tumor to determine the quantity and distribution of 125I seeds to be implanted. Under CT guidance, 125I seeds were embedded into the tumor, with the matched peripheral dose set at 100–130 Gy. Follow‑up CT scan was done in 2‑month to explore the treatment efficacy. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in all patients. No major procedure‑associated death occurred. The duration of follow‑up was 6‑month. Complete response (CR) was seen in 38 cases (47.5%), partial response (PR) in 27 cases (33.75%), stable disease (SD) in 10 cases (12.5%), and progressive disease in 5 cases (6.25%), with a local control rate (CR + PR + SD) of 93.75%. The 2‑, 4‑ and 6‑month overall response rate (CR + PR) was 78%, 83% and 81%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Implantation of CT‑guided 125I seeds is a safe and effective alternative option for the treatment of lung cancer.