Ultrasound-guided 125I radioactive seed implantation in the treatment of recurrent or metastatic superficial malignant tumors

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and effect of ultrasound-guided 125I radioactive seed implantation treatment for recurrent or metastatic superficial malignant tumors. Methods: Totally 21 patients with recurrent or metastatic malignant superficial tumors were treated with ultrasound-guided 125I radioactive seeds implantation according to the Halarism's experienced formula (mCi=D a×5), in which D a was the mean sum value of length, width and height of the targeted tissue. The therapeutic effect was evaluated according to WHO tumor assessment criteria 3 months after therapy. Postoperative follow-up was performed as well. Results: 125I seeds were successfully implanted into lesions in 21 patients, and the masses were displayed clearly on ultrasonography. Under the guidance of ultrasound, needles were exactly inserted into the masses, and the whole process of implantation was easily observed. Complete remission (CR), partial remission (PR), no change (NC) and progress disease (PD) were seen in 12 (57.14%), 4 (19.05%), 3 (14.29%) and 2 (9.52%) patients, respectively. Median survival time without local recurrence was 7.2 months (6.8-7.6 months). Conclusion: Brachytherapy with 125I seeds implantation guided with ultrasound is a safe, minimally invasive and effective treatment with low morbidity for recurrent or metastatic superficial malignant tumors.