Computed tomography-guided iodine-125 radioactive seed implantation in small-cell lung cancer: A retrospective study

Purpose
To explore the efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided iodine-125 (125I) radioactive seed implantation for the treatment of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Material and methods
A total of 12 SCLC patients were retrospectively enrolled. All patients underwent CT-guided 125I seed implantation therapy, and were followed up until death, the last visit time, or study end time. Primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints were local control rate (LCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety.

Results
All patients were successfully implanted with 125I radioactive seeds. The ORR at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months after implantation was 83.3%, 63.6%, 50%, and 40%, respectively; the LCR at 1 and 2 years were 75% (6/8) and 60% (3/5), respectively; the median PFS and OS were 8 and 12 months, respectively; and the OS rate at 6, 12, and 24 months after implantation was 91.67%, 66.67%, and 41.67%, respectively. No surgery-related deaths occurred. During the follow-up period, mild complications were observed in patients, including worsening cough, hemoptysis, and pneumothorax.

Conclusions
CT-guided 125I seed implantation therapy is a safe and effective supplementary treatment for SCLC patients, who cannot tolerate radiotherapy.