Interstitial permanent implantation of 125I seeds combined with radiofrequency hyperthermia for patients with locally recurrent rectal carcinoma

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of interstitial permanent implantation of 125I seeds combined with radiofrequency hyperthermia in treatment of locally recurrent rectal carcinoma. Methods: From February 2011 to December 2013, 125I seeds implantation was performed under CT guidance for 48 patients with locally recurrent rectal carcinoma. Twenty four patients of them also underwent radiofrequency hyperthermia as a combined treatment (combined treatment group), and other 24 patients underwent single 125I seed brachytherapy (single treatment group). The local control of tumor, pre- and post-treatment serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, response rate (RR) of pain relief and the adverse reactions were evaluated. Results: Two months after treatment, the response (complete reponse+partial response) rate of the tumor was 91.67% (22/24) in the combined treatment group, which was higher than that in the single treatment group [66.67%, 16/24; P 0.05). Response rates of pain relief were 72.73% (8/11) and 33.33% (5/15) in the combined and single treatment groups, respectively; and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). One month after treatment, the rate of complications was lower in the combined treatment group (29.17%, 7/24), as compared with that of the single treatment group (70.83%, 17/24; P < 0.05). Conclusion: Interstitial permanent implantation of 125I seeds combined with radiofrequency hyperthermia for locally recurrent rectal carcinoma has a good short-term response and less complications, which may be an effective comprehensive therapy for locally recurrent rectal carcinoma. DOI:10.3781/j.issn.1000-7431.2014.07.010