125 I interstitial brachytherapy in management of pediatric skull base tumors.

BACKGROUND:The purpose of this study was to present our preliminary assessment of the safety and efficacy of 125 I interstitial brachytherapy (IBT) in the management of pediatric skull base tumors. METHODS:Thirty pediatric patients with skull base tumors treated with 125 I IBT from April 2007 to May 2017 were included in this study. The probabilities of local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS:The one- and two-year LC rates were 96.7% and 74.8%, respectively. The one- and two-year OS rates were 93.3% and 72.2%, respectively. No severe acute toxicity was observed. Severe late toxicities were observed in one (3.33%) of 30 patients. CONCLUSION:125 I IBT is effective and safe in the management of pediatric skull base tumors, with satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes.