Onkologie. 2012:6(5):252-256

Brachytherapy of head and neck tumors

Jiří Petera

Klinika onkologie a radioterapie, FN Hradec Králové

Brachytherapy is a method of radiation treatment, when the radioactive sources are directly applicated into the tumor region. Brachytherapy

allows to deliver high doses to the tumor in a short time with excellent local tumor control. The largest experience was achieved

with continual low dose rate brachytherapy (0.4–2Gy/hr) and manual insertion of sources. Recently this method was mostly replaced by

automatic afterloading devices and high dose rate (> 12Gy/hr) fractionated treatment. Brachytherapy can be used in early stages of head

and neck cancer as a sole treatment method. The advantage in comparison with surgery is a better functional and cosmetic outcome

and in comparison with external beam radiotherapy a better tumor control and absence of xerostomia. In locally advanced tumors

brachytherapy can be used for dose escalation of external beam radiotherapy. Brachytherapy is also useful for salvage treatment of

recurrences after previous radiotherapy. Classical indications are oral cancer, oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal tumors. Despite technological

advances of external beam radiotherapy brachytherapy remains a very important treatment method in head and neck tumors.

Keywords: brachytherapy, head and neck cancer

Published: November 1, 2012  Show citation