Custom mold applicator high-dose-rate brachytherapy for nonmelanoma skin cancer—An analysis of 273 lesions

Abstract

Purpose: Nonmelanoma skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in the United States. A modern version of surface brachytherapy, “topographic applicator brachytherapy” (TAB), can be used to treat early-stage nonmelanoma skin cancer (ES-NMSC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, and recurrence rates of patients with ES-NMSC treated with TAB. Methods and Materials: From 2010 to 2013, 172 patients with 273 ES-NMSC tumors were consecutively treated with TAB. A custom applicator was created using a thermoplastic mold with Harrison Anderson Mick applicators. Dose fractionation schemes included 40 Gy in eight fractions delivered twice per week or 48 Gy in 16 fractions delivered four times per week. Results: Of the 273 tumors treated, 23.8% were located on the nose, 54.2% were basal cell carcinoma, 76.2% were Stage I, 89.3% were treated definitively, 98.9% completed treatment, and 75.5% received 40 Gy in eight fractions. Median followup was 25.0 months (0.5–71.0 months). Maximum acute toxicity was G0, 0.4%; G1, 33.3%; G2, 48.7%; G3, 12.1%; and G4, 5.1%. Local recurrence was 4.8% at 25 months, with median time to recurrence being 9 months. There was no regional or distant metastasis documented during the followup. Chronic toxicities included erythema (4.4%), chronic ulceration (4.0%), telangiectasia (2.6%), and pigmentation changes (2.2%). Conclusions: TAB was able to provide excellent local control (95.2%) with low rates of Grades 3 and 4 toxicities for treatment of ES-NMSC. TAB is a reasonable alternative to surgical resection when there is concern of poor cosmesis/wound healing.