The efficacy of iodine-125 interstitial brachytherapy for the treatment of locally advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma of the base of tongue: a non-surgical approach

J Contemp Brachytherapy. 2021 Aug;13(4):395-401. doi: 10.5114/jcb.2021.108593. Epub 2021 Aug 24.

Abstract

Purpose: The present study retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness and safety of iodine-125 interstitial brachytherapy for treatment of primary locally advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the base of tongue (BOT).

Material and methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of data of 19 patients with ACC, who were treated with iodine-125 interstitial brachytherapy between March 2008 and April 2018. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), local control (LC), and radiation-related toxicities were determined. Factors affecting the outcomes were evaluated.

Results: Six males and 13 females were included in our study, with a median follow-up time of 35 months. 3- and 5-year OS rates were 71.5% and 47.6%, respectively. 3- and 5-year LC rates were 88.5% and 34.5%, respectively. 3- and 5-year DFS rates were 54.7% and 21.9%, respectively. A significant difference was observed in patients with or without brain metastases for OS rate. No severe acute toxicity was observed, while severe late toxicity was observed in one patient.

Conclusions: The results suggest that iodine-125 interstitial brachytherapy is an effective and safe option for the treatment of primary locally advanced ACC of the base of the tongue, with reasonably satisfactory LC and OS.

Keywords: adenoid cystic carcinoma; base of tongue; interstitial brachytherapy; iodine-125.