[Afterloading interstitial brachytherapy by Ir-192 seed assembly for malignant brain tumor].

We developed and applied interstitial after-loading endocrine therapy as a cancer treatment modality. Between Sept. 1982 and May 1983, 5 patients with malignant brain tumors were treated using the removable after-loading Iridium-192 seed assembly implant technique. 4 of the 5 patients experienced recurrent gliomas after the operation alone or in combination with external post-operative radiotherapy. In 3 patients, local control was achieved and has been maintained for more than 11 months. Our preliminary brachytherapy procedures for the treatment of malignant brain tumors are described.