This study aims to investigate the feasibility and side effects of external beam radiation therapy combined with individual template assisted iodine 125 radioactive seed implant in the treatment of advanced unresectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

17 patients with histologically documented advanced HNSCC, who were unable to receive surgical treatment due to their physical condition, underwent external beam radiation therapy combined with individual template assisted iodine 125 radioactive seed implant.. All patients had conventional fractionated external radiotherapy with a total dose of 50 Gy, and the matched peripheral dose of iodine 125 seed was 80~120 Gy.

The outcome of the treatment was evaluated based on changes of tumor size and patients’ clinical symptoms. The overall responding rate among these patients was 82.4% (14/17) . One patient died of hemorrhage. Major side effects included soft tissue necrosis, local hemorrhage, radiation mucositis and dermatitis. No other acute complications or treatment related radiation damages were observed in the study.

The scheme of external beam radiation therapy combined with individual template assisted iodine 125 radioactive seed implant is a relatively invasive, effective and safe regimen for advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.