Efficacy of Iodine-125 Seed Implantation in Locoregionally Recurrent and Unresectable Breast Cancer: a Retrospective Study

CT-guided iodine-125 brachytherapy as salvage therapy for local-regional recurrent breast cancer

Background

The treatment of local-regional recurrent breast cancer (BC) after external beam radiotherapy is challenging. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous iodine-125 brachytherapy for local recurrent BC.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 15 patients with local recurrent BC treated with CT-guided interstitial implantation of iodine-125 seeds. Regular contrast-enhanced CT was conducted to evaluate the tumor response. Follow-up survival, quality of life, and adverse events were analyzed.

Results

Among the 15 patients, five were elderly patients (older than 80 years) and six were complicated with chronic underlying diseases. The median number of 125I seeds implantation was 33 (range: 20-130) with median dose 90 (D90, the minimum dose covering 90% of the target volume) of 108 Gy (range: 60-120 Gy). There was no significant difference in D90, V100 (the volume of the target receiving 100% of the prescription dose), and V150 (the volume of the target receiving 150% of the prescription dose) before and after operation (p > 0.05). The median follow-up was 14 months (range: 6-18 months). Six months after operation, the ORR was 66.7% (10/15) and the LCR was 93.3% (14/15). The 6- and 12-month survival rates were 100 and 41.6%, respectively, and the median survival time was 12.5 months. PS score decreased from 1.53 ± 0.81 to 0.53 ± 0.49. The pain score decreased from 2.87 ± 1.67 before operation to 1.07 ± 1.18 after operation, and the differences were statistically significant (p< 0.05). No severe complications occurred.

Conclusions

CT-guided iodine-125 brachytherapy provided a safe and effective choice for recurrent BC with significant local therapeutic effects and minor complications, especially for elderly patients with chronic underlying disease and those who were not eligible for surgical resection and had failed to benefit from systemic therapy.

Computed tomography-guided interstitial implantation of I (125) radioactive seeds in the treatment of hilar airway stenosis caused by non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Airway stenosis secondary to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the severe complications that can lead to life-threatening outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical utility of computed tomography (CT)-guided interstitial implantation of radioactive I-125 seeds in the treatment of hilar airway stenosis caused by NSCLC.

METHODS

The cases of hilar airway stenosis caused by NSCLC in our hospital from 2017 to 2022 were collected and divided into observation and control groups. Both groups underwent conventional lung cancer treatment, and the observation group was treated with CT-guided interstitial implantation of radioactive I-125 seeds. The mean tumor diameter, hilar airway stenosis, and obstructive pneumonia scores at 3 months after treatment were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

After 3 months of treatment, the mean tumor diameter (28.8 ± 9.3 mm vs 49.33 ± 16.75 mm, P < 0.001), hilar airway stenosis (20.55 ± 30.36% vs 84.85 ± 26.19%, P < 0.001), and obstructive pneumonia score (2.19 ± 1.41 vs 3.48 ± 1.12, P < 0.001) of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group.

CONCLUSION

CT-guided interstitial implantation of I (125) radioactive seeds in the treatment of hilar airway stenosis caused by NSCLC can effectively reduce the tumor volume, relieve airway stenosis, and alleviate the associated obstructive pneumonia and has a certain value of application in the clinic.

Effect of neoadjuvant iodine-125 brachytherapy upon resection of glioma

Background

A more extensive surgical resection of glioma contributes to improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). However, some patients miss the chance of surgical resection when the tumor involves critical structures.

Purpose

The present study aimed to assess the feasibility of neoadjuvant ¹²⁵I brachytherapy followed by total gross resection for initially inoperable glioma.

Methods

Six patients diagnosed with inoperable glioma due to invasion of eloquent areas, bihemispheric diffusion, or large tumor volume received ¹²⁵I brachytherapy. Surgical resection was performed when the tumor shrank, allowing a safe resection, assessed by the neurosurgeons. Patients were followed up after surgery.

Results

Shrinkage of the tumor after adjuvant ¹²⁵I brachytherapy enabled a total gross resection of all six patients. Four patients were still alive at the last follow-up, with the longest survival time of more than 50 months, two of which returned to everyday life with a KPS of 100. Another two patients had neurological injuries with KPSs of 80 and 50, respectively. One patient with grade II glioma died 34 months, and another with grade IV glioma died 40 months after the combined therapy.

Conclusions

In the present study, the results demonstrated that ¹²⁵I brachytherapy enabled a complete resection of patients with initially unresectable gliomas. ¹²⁵I brachytherapy may offer a proper neoadjuvant therapy method for glioma.

Dosimetry study of three-dimensional print template for 125I implantation therapy

Background

¹²⁵I seed implantation has been found to show good therapeutic effects on tumors. Recent studies showed that three-dimensional (3D) print template-assisted ¹²⁵I seed implantation can optimize radiation dose distribution. This study aimed to compare the dose distribution differences in ¹²⁵I seed implantation among 3D print noncoplanar template- (3DPNCT), 3D print coplanar template- (3DPCT) assisted implantation and traditional free-hand implantation.

Methods

We systematically searched the PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, Wan Fang Med Online, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) from the earliest to November 2020 without time or language restrictions. And the references of primary literature were also searched. The outcome measures were dosimetry and operation time. This meta-analysis was carried out using Stata 12.0.

Results

A total of 16 original articles were selected for inclusion. The differences of D90, D100, V90, and V100 values pre- and post-implantation with traditional free-hand implantation showed statistically significant (p < 0.05). The differences of D90, D100, V100, V150, V200, and D2cc of organs at risk (OAR) values pre- and post-implantation with 3D print template showed no statistically significant (p > 0.05). Compared with traditional free-hand implantation without any templates, 3D print template could improve postoperative D90 (Standard mean difference, SMD = 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.35 to 0.98, p < 0.001), D100 (SMD = 0.82, 95%CI = 0.40 to 1.23, p < 0.001), V90 (SMD = 1.48, 95%CI = 0.95 to 2.00, p < 0.001), V100 (SMD = 1.41, 95%CI = 0.96 to 1.86, p < 0.001), and reduce operation time (SMD = − 0.93, 95%CI = − 1.34 to − 0.51, p < 0.001). In three studies, both 3DPNCT and 3DPCT plans were designed for all patients. The prescribed dose and seed activity were same. Pooled analysis of D90, D100, V100, D2cc of OAR, number of seeds and number of needles showed no significant differences between 3DPNCT and 3DPCT groups (p > 0.05). However, in 3DPNCT group, V150 and V200 were increased (SMD = 0.35, 0.49; 95%CI = 0.04 to 0.67, 0.02 to 0.96; p = 0.028, 0.043); the number of through bone needles was reduced (SMD = − 1.03, 95%CI = − 1.43 to − 0.64, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Compared with traditional free-hand implantation, 3D print template-assisted ¹²⁵I seeds implantation can optimize dose distribution and reduce the implantation time at the same time. Compared with 3D print coplanar template, 3D print noncoplanar template can increase the volume of high dose within tumor target and is more safer in the respect of puncture route.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13014-021-01845-y.

A Retrospective Study on Using a Novel Single Needle Cone Puncture Approach for the Iodine-125 Seed Brachytherapy in Treating Patients With Thoracic Malignancy

Background

Patients with progressive thoracic malignancy characterized by large irregular tumors with necrosis and life-threatening symptoms lack effective treatments. We set out to develop a single needle cone puncture method for the Iodine-125 seed (SNCP-¹²⁵I) brachytherapy, and aim to report the initial results.

Methods

294 patients with advanced thoracic malignancy were treated with local SNCP-¹²⁵I brachytherapy between March 2009 and July 2020, followed by thorough evaluation of clinical outcome, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and procedure-related complications after treatment.

Results

The overall response rate (ORR) among the treated patients was 81.0% (238/294). Life-threatening symptoms due to tumor oppression, hemoptysis and large irregular tumor with necrosis were successfully alleviated after the SNCP-¹²⁵I treatment with a remission rate at 91% to 94%. The median OS and PFS were 13.6 months and 5.8 months, respectively. Procedure-related side effects including pneumothorax (32/294), blood-stained sputum (8/294), subcutaneous emphysema (10/294), puncture site bleeding (16/294) and chest pain (6/294) were observed. Patients who were able to follow with chemotherapy or immunotherapy experienced extended OS and PFS, as compared with patients who opted to receive hospice care (16.5 months Vs. 11.2 months). Further pathological and immunological analysis showed that SNCP-¹²⁵I induced tumor lymphocytes infiltration and long-term tumor necrosis.

Conclusion

SNCP-¹²⁵I brachytherapy effectively eliminates life-threatening symptoms due to local tumor oppression, hemoptysis and large irregular and necrotic tumors in patients with unresectable chest malignancy and significantly induces local tumor regression. SNCP-¹²⁵I brachytherapy combines with chemotherapy significantly prolong OS and PFS compare with SNCP-¹²⁵I brachytherapy alone.

Feasibility of interstitial stepping-source electronic brachytherapy to locally inoperable tumors

Purpose

Radiotherapy is the mainstay in the treatment of locally inoperable tumors. Interstitial electronic needle-based kilovoltage brachytherapy (EBT) could be an economic alternative to high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy or permanent seed implantation (PSI). In this work, we evaluated if locally inoperable tumors treated with PSI at our institution may be suitable for EBT.

Material and methods

A total of 10 post-interventional computed tomography (CT) scans of patients, who received PSI and simulated stepping-source EBT applied with Intrabeam system and needle applicator were used. EBT treatment planning software with 3-dimensional image and projection of applicator were applied for designing trajectories and establishing dwell positions. Dwell position doses were summarized, and doses covering 90% of the target volume (D₉₀) achieved with stepping-source EBT were compared to those of PSI. Additionally, conformality of dose distributions and total irradiation time were assessed using conformation number (CN) or conformal index (COIN).

Results

In all patients, D₉₀ of EBT exceeded the prescribed dose or D₉₀ of PSI on average by 4.7% or 21.3% relative to the prescribed dose, respectively. Mean number of trajectories was 5.0 for EBT and 6.9 for PSI. Average CN/COIN for EBT was 0.69, with a mean irradiation time of 27.8 minutes for standardized dose of 13 Gy.

Conclusions

Stepping-source EBT allowed for a conformal treatment of inoperable interstitial tumors with similar D₉₀. Fewer trajectories were required for EBT in majority of cases.

A Comprehensive Narrative Review on the Evolving Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound in Focal Solid Liver Lesions Diagnosis and Management

The implications of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) have expanded considerably in recent years to cover more fields in invasive gastroenterology practice, as both an investigative and therapeutic modality. The utility of EUS in the diagnosis and management of focal liver lesions has gained a special attractiveness recently. The EUS probe proximity to the liver and its excellent spatial resolution enables real-time images coupled with several enhancement techniques, such as contrast-enhanced (CE) EUS. Aside from its notable capability to execute targeted biopsies and therapeutic interventions, EUS has developed into a hopeful therapeutic tool for the management of solid liver lesions. Herein, we provide a comprehensive state-of-the-art review on the efficacy and safety of EUS in the diagnosis and management of focal solid liver lesions. Medline/PubMed and Embase database searches were conducted by two separate authors (T.K. and W.S.), all relevant studies were assessed, and relevant data was extracted and fully reported. EUS-guided diagnosis of focal liver lesions by sonographic morphologic appearance and cytological and histopathological finding of biopsies obtained via fine needle aspiration/biopsy have been shown to significantly improve the diagnosis of solid liver lesions compared with traditional imaging tools. Similarly, EUS-guided treatment has been shown to consistently have excellent technical success, high efficacy, and minor adverse events. The evolving valuable evidences of EUS utility might satisfy the unmet need of optimizing management of focal solid liver lesions.

Permanent iodine-125 brachytherapy for patients with progressive or recurrent high-grade gliomas

Background

The prognosis of patients with progressive or recurrent high-grade gliomas (HGGs) after surgery remains poor. Iodine-125 brachytherapy is emerging as a salvage method for the treatment of gliomas. This study aimed to investigate whether permanent iodine-125 brachytherapy could be used as an effective therapeutic method even without radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy for progressive or recurrent HGG after gross total resection.

Methods

Between March 2004 and August 2016, 58 patients with progressive or recurrent HGG after gross total resection were included in this study. Twenty-nine patients underwent radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy and then permanent iodine-125 brachytherapy (SRCI group). Twenty-nine patients underwent permanent iodine-125 brachytherapy alone (SI group). Follow-up was carried out at 1, 3, and 6 months and then at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years after iodine-125 implantation. The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), procedure-related complications and clinical outcomes were evaluated.

Results

No procedure-related fatal events happened. The temporary morbidity rate was 11.9%. The median OS and PFS for patients in the SI group were 22 and 8 months compared with 21 and 7 months in the SRCI group. No significant differences were found. Age and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) were independent prognostic factors for OS. Age, KPS and histology were independent prognostic factors for PFS.

Conclusions

Permanent iodine-125 brachytherapy could be used as an effective therapeutic method even without radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy for progressive or recurrent HGG after gross total resection.

Efficacy and safety of CT-guided 125I seed implantation as a salvage treatment for locally recurrent head and neck soft tissue sarcoma after surgery and external beam radiotherapy: A 12-year study at a single institution

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CT-guided radioactive ¹²⁵I seed implantation as a salvage treatment for locally recurrent head and neck soft tissue sarcoma (HNSTS) after surgery and external beam radiotherapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

From December 2006 to February 2018, 25 patients with locally recurrent HNSTS after surgery and external beam radiotherapy were enrolled. All the patients successfully underwent CT-guided ¹²⁵I seed implantation. The primary end points included the objective response rate (ORR) and local progression-free survival (LPFS). The secondary end points were survival (OS) and safety profiles.

RESULTS

After ¹²⁵I seed implantation, the ORR was 76.0%. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year LPFS rates were 65.6%, 34.4%, and 22.9%, respectively, with the median LPFS of 16.0 months. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 70.8%, 46.6%, and 34.0%, respectively, with the median OS of 28.0 months. Furthermore, univariate analyses showed that the recurrent T stage and histological grade were prognostic factors of LPFS, whereas only the histological grade was a predictor of OS. The major adverse events were skin/mucosal toxicities, which were generally of lower grade (≤Grade 2) and were well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

Radioactive ¹²⁵I seed implantation could be an effective and safe alternative treatment for locally recurrent HNSTS after failure of surgery and radiotherapy. Recurrent T stage and histological grade were the main factors influencing the efficacy.