High dose rate brachytherapy in nonmelanoma skin cancer-Systematic review

Nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are the most common malignancies worldwide. Millions of new cases every year present challenge to healthcare systems. Recent years brought numerous new data concerning high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) as treatment option for NMSCs. International guidelines do not recognize BT as a method of choice given lack of randomized trials, however many prospective and retrospective studies show promising results. Aim of the study was to present the efficacy of HDR BT, with analysis of its safety and adverse effects based on review of the English published medical full-text papers. Literature review of 13 articles published between 1999 and 2021 was performed. Pubmed and Google Scholar databases were searched on October 2021 using keywords: ([Basal cell carcinoma] OR [squamous cell carcinoma] OR [non-melanoma skin cancer]) AND (HDR brachytherapy). Fourteen full-text English articles with follow up over 1 year and study group over 50 patients were included into analysis. In analyzed material, 2403 patients received HDR BT. Local control varied between 71% and 99%.Dominant reported cosmetic effect was good or very good. Results were cross-referenced with recent meta-analyses comparing BT to surgical excision, Mohs microsurgery and external beam radiotherapy. Radiodermitis is the main adverse effect of radiation treatment during and after radiotherapy. HDR BT emerges as potentially noninferior treatment method providing very good reported cosmetic outcomes.

Automated summary

This study reviewed English medical full-text papers to evaluate the efficacy and safety of high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) as a treatment option for nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). The results showed that HDR BT has good local control and cosmetic outcomes. Compared to other treatment methods, HDR BT is considered a potentially noninferior treatment option.