Electronic brachytherapy for non-melanoma skin cancer in Asians: Experience from a Taiwan medical center

Abstract

Background/Purpose: High-dose-rate (HDR) electronic brachytherapy (EBT) has been shown to be effective for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in Caucasian patients. However, its efficacy remains unknown in Asian patients. To analyze the clinical outcome of HDR EBT for NMSC in a Taiwanese medical center. Methods: Medical records over a 5-year period between January 2015 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Forty-seven patients with 54 NMSC including 42 basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and 12 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) were treated with HDR EBT. The average age was 73.8 years. The mean radiation dose was 45.3 Gy (40–80 Gy). Mean follow-up duration was 33.1 months. Adequate local control was achieved in 50 lesions (92.6%). Grade 1 acute skin toxicity was noted in 63.0% of lesions, while no tumors had Grade 4 acute toxicity. No ulceration was observed six months after completion of treatment. At the last follow-up visit, all lesions were rated to have “fair” to “excellent” cosmetic outcomes. Conclusion: HDR EBT provides adequate clinical outcomes and cosmetic results for NMSC in Asian patients. Further investigation of the dosage guidelines is needed for Asian patients with NMSC.

Keywords

• Electronic brachytherapy
• Non-melanoma skin cancer
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Asian