The efficacy and safety of (125)I brachytherapy combined with pre-operative transarterial chemoembolization in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Iodine-125 ( (125)I) brachytherapy combined with pre-operative transarterial chemoembolization in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer. METHODS: In this study, a total of thirty-seven individuals suffering from locally advanced head and neck cancer were involved. The patients were subjected to transarterial chemoembolization as well as implantation of (125)I seeds under the guidance of CT and ultrasonography. Follow-up was conducted for 36 months to study the following parameters: the local control rate, survival rate, and clinical complications. RESULTS: In total, thirty-six patients at the end of three months showed an objective response rate of 69.8% and disease control rate of 93.0%, respectively. The 1, 2, and 3-year cumulative overall survival rate was 89.2%, 73.0%, and 45.9%, respectively. The adverse events of the treatment included infection (n=1, Grade III), radiation brachial plexus injury (n=1, Grade III), leukopenia (n=1, Grade III), cerebrovascular embolism (n=1, Grade IV). CONCLUSION: The combination of (125)I brachytherapy and pre-operative transarterial chemoembolization was safe and effective in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer.