Mao Y, et al. – In this present study, the clinical effectiveness of staging radioactive particle implantation guided by computed tomography (CT) and fiber–optic bronchoscopy was examined in treating cancerous large airway stenosis. Results approved the effectiveness of CT– and fiber bronchoscopy–guided staging radioactive particle implantation in treating cancerous large airway stenosis.

Methods

• This study enrolled 102 patients.
• 57 had undergone staging radioactive particle implantation guided by CT and fiber bronchoscopy and 45 did not. 
• With the aid of CT and fiber–optic bronchoscopy, patients were analyzed to assess the feasibility of the implantation of radioactive seeds for the treatment of cancerous large airway stenosis.
• To plan the doses, the treatment planning system (TPS) was used.
•  Radioactive seeds were implanted using fiber–optic bronchoscopy. 
• One week later, CT–guided implantation of radioactive seeds was performed.

Results

• The clinical evaluation displayed complete, partial, slight, and non–response in 38, 14, 5, and 0 patients, respectively. 
• None of the patients were found with serious complications.
• The diameter of the affected airway, Karnofsky score, dyspnea index, survival, and quality of life of the patients in both groups was significantly higher and significantly different after the treatment (P < 0.05).
• In the treatment group, the dyspnea index was significantly lower as compared with the control group (P < 0.001).