Split-palate approach for gold grain implantation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1990 May;116(5):578-82. doi: 10.1001/archotol.1990.01870050078011.

Abstract

Although nasopharyngeal carcinoma is radiosensitive, local failure after external radiotherapy is not uncommon and management of persistent or recurrent disease is a therapeutic challenge. The present review reports the use of brachy-therapy in the form of gold grain (198Au) implants in the treatment of 23 patients with recurrent or persistent primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The split-palate approach was employed in the insertion of the gold grains. This approach allows adequate exposure of the nasopharynx and accurate positioning of the implants. Implantation was successful in 21 patients, and local tumor control was achieved in 17 patients (81%) after a median follow-up of 23 months. Palatal fistula developed in 6 patients (26%): 5 healed with conservative management, and 1 had no functional disturbance. There was no operative mortality, and morbidity of the operation was minimal.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brachytherapy / methods*
  • Carcinoma / radiotherapy*
  • Female
  • Gold Radioisotopes / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / radiotherapy
  • Palate / surgery
  • Palate, Soft / surgery

Substances

  • Gold Radioisotopes