Malignant tumors invading chest wall: treatment with CT-directed implantation of radioactive seeds.

Computed tomography (CT) was used to direct permanent implantation of radioactive iodine-125 seeds in two patients with unresectable lung cancer and in one with recurrent breast cancer invading the chest wall. An average of 60 seeds were implanted, with a mean total radioactivity of 35.6 mCi (1,317 MBq). Tumor coverage was adequate and pain relief was good in all patients. One patient had histologically documented complete response and another had CT-documented partial response.