Clinical efficacy of iodine-125 radioactive particle implantation with deep hyperthermia in malignant tumor treatment: A retrospective analysis

Purpose: In the current study, the clinical efficacy of iodine-125 (¹²⁵I) radioactive particle implantation with deep hyperthermia in malignant tumor treatment was retrospectively analyzed.

Material and methods: Sixty patients with malignant tumors treated at Zhongshan Hospital affiliated with Dalian University, from January 2021 to January 2023, were included in this retrospective analysis. Computed tomography (CT)-guided ¹²⁵I radioactive particles were implanted into lesions, followed by deep hyperthermia administered for 3 days after surgery. Lesion size was evaluated monthly using CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and objective response rate (ORR) and local control rate (DCR) were calculated. Mean pain numerical score and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life core scale C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30 v. 3.0) were assessed pre-treatment and post-treatment, and post-operative adverse reactions were comparatively analyzed.

Results: After 6 months, the combined treatment resulted in a 73.33% ORR and an 81.67% DCR among 60 patients experiencing pre-treatment pain, and 49 (81.67%) exhibited effective pain relief. EORTC QLQ-C30 v. 3.0 evaluation revealed improved quality of life post-treatment. Adverse reactions during combined treatment were mitigated with targeted supportive measures, and no adverse reactions of level 2 or higher were observed.

Conclusions: ¹²⁵I radioactive particle implantation with deep hyperthermia is shown to be an effective combination therapy for malignant tumors, yielding significant clinical efficacy. Notably, it enhances patient quality of life, reduces tumor burden, mitigates adverse reactions, and alleviates pain. Given its minimal trauma and mild adverse reactions, this combination therapy warrants widespread clinical application.