Endobronchial Brachytherapy: An Effective Modality

Treatment of inoperable carcinoma lung poses a challenge both due to the magnitude and local symptoms with resultant worsening of performance status of the patients. Endobronchial brachytherapy is an established modality for palliation of symptoms, namely dyspnoea, haemoptysis and cough that result from disease infiltration of the airways. This study was aimed at evaluating the role of HDR endobronchial brachytherapy with external radiotherapy for symptomatic improvement and compliance for such patients at our institution. Total 50 patients were randomised into two arms according to presenting symptoms and Bronchoscopic feasibility for the catheter insertion. There were 20 patients in arm A and 30 patients in arm B. In short follow up, complete response for haemoptysis was achieved in 98% of patients (n=14), 80% patients showed complete response to dyspnoea (n=46). Symptoms like chest pain and cough showed less improvement after endobronchial brachytherapy. Re-expansion of atelectasis was seen in 100% patients (n=29). Values in both the arms were compared using Pearson Chi-square test.