3D-conformal radiotherapy for prevention of carotid recurrent in-stent restenosis. Initial experience.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate 3D-conformal external beam radiotherapy for prevention of recurrent instent restenosis after carotid artery angioplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between Oct 2000 and Sep 2001 five patients with recurrent carotid artery in-stent restenosis of more than 50% lumen loss diagnosed with duplex sonography were enrolled. After successful revascularization, radiotherapy treatment planning was performed, which was based on the angioplasty protocol and all images documenting the intervention. A single dose of 5 Gy was prescribed to the 100% isodose. The treatment started on day one after angioplasty. In total, 4 fractions were given within 3 days. RESULTS: All patients tolerated the treatment well. No acute radiotherapy associated side effects were observed. Two patients developed recurrence within four months after therapy. In both cases, late total occlusion of the stent was noticed. One patient died and one developed a severe stroke. The other three patients remained asymptomatic with evidence of less than 50% restenosis. CONCLUSION: 3D-conformal radiotherapy is a feasible treatment option for highly selected patients with carotid artery in-stent restenosis. These preliminary results from a very small group of patients do show some potential for radiotherapy to prevent restenosis. However, due to the risk of late stent thrombosis, radiotherapy for the prevention of recurrent carotid artery in-stent restenosis is not recommended.