Tumor control and cosmetic outcome of weekly iridium-192 high-dose-rate brachytherapy for nonmelanoma skin cancers in the elderly.

Abstract

PURPOSE\nRadiotherapy with high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy is used to treat nonmelanoma skin cancers. We retrospectively analyzed a hypofractionated regimen to assess its safety and efficacy in elderly patients ≥70\xa0years.\n\n\nMETHODS AND MATERIALS\nForty-eight patients with 67 lesions treated since 2016 with catheter-based iridium-192 HDR brachytherapy using a custom mold or three-dimensional-printed applicator met inclusion criteria. Treatment was 36\xa0Gy in six weekly fractions. Local and locoregional control were assessed with Kaplan-Meier curves. Acute and late toxicity were graded as per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5. Cosmesis was defined as excellent (indistinguishable from untreated skin), good (minimal changes), or poor (extensive changes). Univariate analyses were performed.\n\n\nRESULTS\nMedian age was 85.7\xa0years, and 21 were female. Durable local control occurred in 63 lesions (94.0%), giving estimated local control of 100% at 6\xa0months, 95.1% at 1\xa0year, and 88.8% at 2\xa0years. No factors were predictive of local control on univariate analysis. All experienced acute toxicity that ultimately resolved: 28.4% Grade 2 and 4.5% Grade 3. Larger treatment volume receiving ≥36\xa0Gy was associated with increased Grade ≥2 acute toxicity. Patients experienced late Grade 2 and late Grade 4 toxicity after 6.5% treatments each. Younger age was associated with increased Grade ≥2 late toxicity. Good or better cosmesis occurred in 93.2%, and poor cosmesis was associated with lower extremities and larger lesions.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nHypofractionated HDR brachytherapy using 36\xa0Gy in six weekly fractions is associated with satisfactory locoregional control and cosmesis with minimal risk of severe acute or late toxicities.