Endobronchial brachytherapy: a preliminary experience

Abstract

Fourteen patients with malignant airway obstruction were treated with a placement of a flexible nylon catheter for low dose rate manual afterloading Iridium 192 endobronchial brachytherapy using a flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope. Eight patients had obstructive pneumonitis at initial presentation, while 6 cases were recurrences after previous external irradiation. Six evaluable patients of the former group had complete or partial reinflation of lung and were followed by external radiotherapy. Of the latter group, 3 were evaluable and had moderate to good palliation of their symptoms. No complication was observed. The technique is simple and safe with good patient compliance. Further evaluation is indicated to assess its role in the locoregional management of lung cancer.