[First results of high-dose-rate 192-Iridium afterloading method applied alone or associated with laser therapy in tumors of the respiratory and digestive tracts].

High-dose-rate short-term brachytherapy with 192iridium, preceded by laser therapy if practicable, has been applied in an interdisciplinary collaboration for more than one year at our hospital. Until April, 1985, 127 applications have been made in 49 patients suffering from tumors of the respiratory and upper digestive tract. The palliative effects obtained (74% and 86%, respectively) correspond with those achievable by percutaneous radiotherapy. The local control rates can possibly be improved by an 192iridium boost in the course of a curative radiotherapy.