Nodal recurrences after exclusive brachytherapy for T1-T2 N0 cancer of the oral tongue

INTRODUCTION: Exclusive brachytherapy represents the treatment of choice in small volume cancer of the oral tongue. In this neoplasm however the incidence of subclinical metastasis in neck nodes is not negligible, and prophylactic neck dissection is advocated by some Authors after interstitial irradiation. We have thus reviewed the incidence of nodal recurrences in a group of pts treated with brachytherapy alone for tongue cancer. PATIENTS METHODS AND RESULTS: From 1982 to 1994 44 pts (27 males, 17 females, age 35-84 years, median 63,3 years) were treated with 192 Ir interstitial irradiation alone for clinically N0 epidermoid cancer of the oral tongue (T1: 19 pts, T2: 25 pts). Brachytherapy was performed with hairpins or plastic tubes, according to the rules of the Paris system. Dose ranged from 60-70 Gy with a dose rate of 0.38-0.62 Gy/h (median: 63.8 and 0.52 respectively). Local recurrences were observed in 8 pts (18.1 %), 3 of whom are free from disease after salvage surgery. Neck nodes metastasis appeared after 3-11 months (mos) from primary treatment (median 6,3 mos) and represented the first site of failure in 16 pts (36,3 %; T1 (6(19)): 31,5 %. T2(10(25)) : 40 %; volume < 3 cc.: 14.3 %; > 3cc.: 55.5 %). After neck dissection and external radiotherapy 10 of them were rendered free from disease and are still alive at 12-123 mos. Definitive control above the clavicles was thus 75 % ((33(44)) pts). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Exclusive brachytherapy can obtain excellent local control rates in T1 T2 oral tongue cancer (81.9 % in our experience). Nodal recurrences are however frequent after interstitial irradiation in large volume cancers and salvage of pts relapsed in the neck is not easily achievable. Prophylactic neck dissection could be advisable to enhance regional control rate in these pts. The role of newer methods to evaluate neck nodes during follow up (ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration of suspicious nodes) is now being investigated in our centre