[Individual silicon applicator for nasopharyngeal brachytherapy]. / Ein individueller Silikonstrahlenapplikator für die nasopharyngeale Brachytherapie.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Beyond surgery, conventional radiation therapy, and chemotherapy brachytherapy may enrich treatment of primary, residual, or recurrent head and neck cancer. Nasopharyngeal cancer is a proper indication for intracavitary brachytherapy which can be performed using a commercial applicator system or an individual applicator. METHODS AND PATIENTS Technique for manufacturing an individual nasopharyngeal silicon applicator and its experiences in 3 patients (2 times brachytherapy in treatment regime of primary nasopharyngeal cancer, 1 time for nasopharyngeal lymphoma treatment) are presented. RESULTS: Under general anaesthesia in all 3 patients nasopharyngeal imprinting after placement of two suction tubes was performed with shore 12 silicon and followed by manufacturing the individual silicon applicator with two included tubes after plaster cast of the imprinting form has been performed. This silicon applicator enabled safe endocavitary brachytherapy using the high-dose-rate-afterloading-method. Tumor control was achieved in all 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The presented individual silicon applicator is suited for intracavitary brachytherapy of the nasopharynx being an valuable contribution in the primary treatment regime of nasopharyngeal cancer.