Local prognosis after combined external and interstitial radiation therapy for carcinoma of the tongue.

Abstract

Of 36 patients with early carcinoma of the tongue treated with interstitial irradiation, 25 were controlled, 10 recurred and one developed local necrosis. Of 57 advanced cases treated with telecobalt therapy followed by interstitial irradiation, 15 were controlled, 20 recurred and 22 developed local necrosis. The frequency of necrosis following the combined irradiation was unacceptably high. Interstitial therapy alone may be a more adequate method for the primary tumour.