[Initial experiences with interstitial brachycurietherapy (low dose rate I-125 seeds in carrier/vicryl and high dose rate Ir-192 afterloading system) in the palliative treatment of head and neck tumors].

The local control rates for previously irradiated recurrent tumours of the head and neck is dose dependent. High dose percutaneous irradiation alone is associated with a high complication rate. On the other hand it is possible to apply high local doses by interstitial irradiation, whilst sparing the surrounding tissue. In the last 2 years we have used Iodine 125-seeds in carrier (Vicryl) and a high dose rate Iridium 192-source for the afterloading technique. Our first experiences with 12 patients show reasonable palliation, but not effect on survival.