IRIDIUM 192 IMPLANTATION OF EARLY STAGE SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMAS OF THE OROPHRYNX

From 1970 to 1986, 141 patients with T1 or T2 carcinomas of the oropharynx were treated with external irradiation to the primary tumor and neck nodes to a dose of 45 Gy, followed by an Iridium 192 implant to the primary tumor to deliver a further 30 Gy. Patients with clinically positive nodes had either further neck irradiation using electrons, or a neck dissection. 5 year disease-free survival was 66% for tonsillar carcinomas; 43 % for soft palate and.52 % for base of tongue. Local control was 98%, 86% and 76% respectively. Regional control was 97% for NO patients and 87% for Nl-3. Soft tissue ulceration occurred in 17 patients; all healed spontaneously. The high level of local control obtained with functional preservation and minimal xerostomia, supports the use of this approach.