[Brachytherapy in combination with function-preserving surgery. An interdisciplinary challenge]

HNO. 2008 Apr;56(4):471-8. doi: 10.1007/s00106-008-1702-5.
[Article in German]

Abstract

A multimodal, interdisciplinary approach known as intensity-modified brachytherapy is a promising alternative for patients with advanced head and neck cancer infiltrating the orbita and skull base. An 87-year-old man presented with a recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the medial corner of the left eye that had been locally resected and irradiated by external beam radiotherapy multiple times. The cancer was resected with preservation of the eye with close margins, implantation of afterloading catheters, and reconstruction of the defect with a median forehead flap. The patient was irradiated with a total radiation dose of 30 Gy IMBT. After 1 year, there was no evidence of locoregional recurrence. The background of this therapeutic process and analysis of the current literature regarding this interdisciplinary treatment of head and neck cancer infiltrating the orbita and skull base are discussed based on this case report.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brachytherapy / methods*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Orbital Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Osteotomy / methods*
  • Patient Care Team
  • Radiotherapy, Conformal / methods*
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome