Efficacy and morbidity of temporary 125I brachytherapy in pediatric rhabdomyosarcomas

PURPOSE: Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMSs) are the most common soft tissue tumors in the pediatric population. The American Brachytherapy Society provides recommendations for the use of brachytherapy (BRT) in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas; yet, there are no clearly defined recommendations for the use of adjuvant BRT in treating RMSs in particular. Radiation therapy has an important role in maximizing local control, and BRT has the advantage over external beam radiation therapy of providing a high dose of radiation to the most susceptible area of recurrence, while delivering a lower dose to the surrounding normal tissue. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This study examines a group of 8 pediatric patients with RMSs who were treated with temporary low-dose-rate I-125 BRT and investigates the efficacy and side effects of such treatment. RESULTS: The results demonstrate a local recurrence rate of 12.5%, with minimal side effects occurring in the patients who had no prior radiation history. Each patient's side effects are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The high efficacy and ease of radiation protection for visitors establishes this as an effective treatment that is logistically convenient for patients and families. This is the first report of patients exclusively with RMSs being treated exclusively with I-125 BRT and demonstrates promising results. (C) 2014 American Brachytherapy Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.