[Radioactive seed implantation for the treatment of mediastinal malignant tumors and lymph node metastases in 43 cases].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The locations of mediastinal malignant tumor lesions are deep and occult, and are close to the pericardium, trachea, or major vessels. Therefore, the possibility of surgical resection is slim, and cryoablation and thermal ablation are restricted. In current study, image and life quality data were compared before and after 125I seeding therapy to investigate its safety and clinical effects.

METHODS: From July 2010 to July 2011, a 43-patient follow-up of pathologically confirmed cancers, including 21 cases of primary mediastinal squamous lung cancer, 9 cases of primary esophagus cancer, and 13 cases of lymph node metastases were completed. Among these, 18 cases presented with tracheal stenosis >50%, 9 cases had esophageal obstruction, and 9 cases had superior vena cava reflux disorder. Each lesion was implanted with 10 to 60 pieces of 125I particles, with an average of 30.79±14.23. CT data at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months after therapy were obtained to evaluate the local lesion outcome. The quality of life of the patients as well as survival data was also recorded.

RESULTS: The overall success rate of the operation was 100%. The longest time of follow-up was 12 months. At 6 months, 37 patients were alive, and the half-year survival rate was 85.0%. In terms of local lesions, 30 cases of PR and 7 cases of NC were found. The clinical effective rate was 81.08%, and the clinical beneficial rate was 100%. At 12 months after therapy, 31 patients were alive, and the one-year survival rate was 60.5%. In terms of local lesions, 16 cases of CR, 7 cases of PR, 2 cases of NC, and 6 cases of PD were found. The clinical effective rate was 74.19%, and the clinical beneficial rate was 80.65%. The KPS score increased after the treatment (P=0.000). Three cases of pneumothorax presented after treatment, and no severe complications, such as vessel, trachea, recurrent laryngeal nerve, or pericardiocentesis injuries, were found.

CONCLUSIONS: Radiation seed implantation in mediastinal malignant tumors is a relatively safe technique with high success rate, considerable efficacy, and clear clinical value in advanced cancer treatment.