Evaluation of the efficacy of CT-guided 3D template-assisted (125)I seed implantation in the treatment of unresectable STS: a multicenter retrospective study

To observe the safety and efficacy of CT-guided 3D template-assisted radioactive (125)I seed implantation in the treatment of unresectable advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Sixty-two patients who underwent continuous 3D template-assisted radioactive (125)I seed implantation for the treatment of unresectable advanced STS from August 2017 to August 2018 were selected from four tumor treatment centers for retrospective analysis. The postoperative adverse reactions and tumor response were recorded, and the postoperative complications were observed and treated at the same time. The overall survival (OS) rate was determined. All patients successfully completed (125)I seed implantation. In practice, the median number of puncture needles used during the operation was 20, and the median number of (125)I particles was 88. There were no statistical differences in the relative dosimetry parameters before and after the operation (P > 0.05). Tumor evaluation was performed 6 months after the operation. The effective rate was 61.3%, and the local control rate was 93.5%. As of March 2020, the 1-year survival rate was 85.2%, and the 2-year survival rate was 49.0%. The OS was 23 months. CT-guided 3D template-assisted (125)I seed implantation for the treatment of unresectable STS has a high local control rate, thereby further prolonging the OS of patients with unresectable STS.