Pulmonary changes after single dose interstitial brachytherapy for lung tumors.

Authors

Jafar Al Mansoor, Ali Rashid, Hathal Haddad, Horst Hermani, Peter Bischoff, Attila Kovács, Michael Pinkawa

Published in

Brachytherapy. Jul 14, 2026. Epub Jul 14, 2026.

Abstract

The reaction of lung tissue to extreme single brachytherapy doses have not been analyzed in the past.
Overall, 46 lung tumors were treated in 32 patients with HDR (high dose rate) brachytherapy (median dose 20Gy). Treatment planning (n = 46) and follow up CT images (n = 154) performed up to 60 months after brachytherapy were evaluated.
The long-term local tumor control was 81%. Pneumonitis was classified as grade 1, 2 and 3 in 26 (57%), 4 (9%) and 3 (7%). Early changes include spotted consolidation in the majority and ground glass opacity in about 40% of patients within the first six months. Partial atelectasis or pleural effusion were observed in 10-20%, respectively. In the period after 6 months, streaky or dense consolidation were noted in the majority of follow-up images. The lung tissue consolidation progresses into retraction. Lung atelectasis occurred in about 10% of patients. Pleural effusion was noted more rarely.
As a result of high focal doses in one fraction, tissue consolidation must be expected in all patients, with progressive retraction predominantly in the second year after brachytherapy. There is a smaller risk of partial atelectasis and pleural effusion.

PMID:
42448505
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 15 Jul 2026.

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