Therapeutic value of 3-D printing template-assisted (125)I-seed implantation in the treatment of malignant liver tumors

OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic value of 3-D printing template-assisted (125)I-seed implantation in the treatment of malignant liver tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen liver cancer patients with 47 total lesions were treated with 3-D printing template-assisted radioactive seed implantation (group A), and 25 liver-tumor patients with 66 total lesions were treated with (125)I-seed implantation without a template auxiliary (group B). Operation time, in-hospital time, operation complications, dose distribution, and response rate (number) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Shorter operation times and better dose distribution were observed in group A than in group B, and the differences were statistically significant. The response rate after 2 months was 86.7% (13 of 15) in group A and 84% (21 of 25) in group B; differences between the two groups were not significant. CONCLUSION: Application of 3-D printing template-assisted radioactive seed implantation in the treatment of malignant liver tumors can help shorten operation time and optimize radiation-dose distribution, is worthy of further study, and has clinical significance.