From applicator-based (Paris system) implantations to rhinoseptoplasty: the concept of anatomic implantation for interventional radiotherapy in squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule. Short term results in a monoinstitutional series

Abstract

Aim: Interventional radiotherapy (IRT) is being increasingly advocated as the standard treatment for the primary lesion in nasal vestibule squamous cell carcinoma (NV-SCC). The respect of the anatomical planes of the nose tip during implantation has been hypothesized to reduce the classical IRT toxicities on the cartilages, such as septal and even alar perforations. The present work describes a monoinstitutional series of NV-SCC treated with an IRT technique that follows the above principle (anatomical implantation), with a focus on IRT toxicities.

Methods: All consecutive patients with nasal vestibule (NV) carcinoma treated between March 2022 and October 2023 with IRT on the primary lesion at Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Sassari and Mater Olbia Hospital were included.

Results: A total of 15 patients were treated with IRT following the principles of anatomical implantation. The only treatment-related toxicity observed has been the mechanical damage to the skin from the buttons used to stabilize the plastic tubes.

Conclusion: IRT with anatomical implantation allows a high nose preservation rate and very good cosmetic results, which appear to be decisive advantages in comparison with traditional surgery, while confirming comparable effectiveness from an oncological point of view. However, in the present series, we describe typical skin toxicity that may have a negative impact on cosmetic results. We propose a new strategy involving the use of a soft medium such as a sponge to protect the skin from damage.

Keywords

Nose vestibule cancer / brachytherapy / interstitial implantation / endocavitary / cosmetic preservation / skin toxicity

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