Title:Personalized 125I Seed Interstitial Brachytherapy for Patients Aged
80 Years and Over with Early Primary High-risk Non-melanoma Skin
Cancer
Volume: 17
Issue: 2
Author(s): Liang Yansong, Wang Juan*, Zhang Hongtao, Liu Zezhou, Su Xiaohua, Zhao Huanfen, Zhao Rongmei and Yin Jianqi
Affiliation:
- Department of Oncology, The Hebei General Hospital Affiliated To Hebei Medicine University, Peace West Road 348,
050051, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
Keywords:
Interstitial brachytherapy, iodine seeds, high-risk non-melanoma skin cancer, elderly, basal cell carcinoma, adverse effects.
Abstract:
Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the safety and efficacy of iodine-125
seeds interstitial brachytherapy (PISI-BT) for patients aged 80 and above with early primary
high-risk non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).
Methods: In this retrospective single-center study, we collected and analyzed data from patients
≥ 80 years of age with early primary high-risk NMSC treated with PISI-BT between December
2003 and May 2020. Survival status, efficacy, adverse effects (AEs), cosmetic outcomes, and
treatment cost were analyzed (data cut-off: November 20th, 2021).
Results: Only 9 patients met the inclusion criteria (median age, 86 years (81-90)). Five patients
had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score of 1, and allthe patients had at least
one comorbidity. Six patients showed complete responseand three showed partial response,
while none had stable or progressive disease. No recurrences, disease persistence, or AEs were
detected during the follow-up period. After a median follow-up of 29.3 months (3-99), only two
patients were alive, but the cause of death in the remaining patients was not related to NMSC.
The cosmetic outcomes were excellent and good in two and four patients, respectively, while
could not be evaluated in three patients. The cost (which was within the scope of medical insurance
reimbursement) was acceptable.
Conclusion: PISI-BT could be an alternative treatment option in patients above 80 years old
with early primary high-risk NMSC and comorbidities.
