The technic and dose evaluation of postoperative (125)I radioactive seeds brachytherapy for malignant tumors of maxilla

Objective To evaluate the technique and effect of treating malignant tumors of maxilla with postoperative brachytherapy by digital model obturators containing 125Ⅰ radioactive seeds. Methods Four patients with adnoid cystic carcinomas and two with squamous cell carcinomas in the maxilla were included in this study. All patients accepted 125Ⅰ seeds implantation after operation, and wore digital model obturators containing 125Ⅰ seeds. The prescription dose was 80 Gy. All patients were followed up every 2 months after treatment- Results The total number of seeds used in these six patients was 189, and 105 seeds were contained in obturators. Radioactive seeds and doses distributed very well as designed in all patients. No tumors recurred after follow up of 12-16 months and there were no severe complications. Conclusions It's an effective way to treat malignant tumors with positive excision margin in the maxilla by brachytherapy using digital model obturators which contain 125Ⅰ radioactive seeds. Key words: Maxillary neoplasms;  Brachytherapy;  125Ⅰ