What Researchers Did
Researchers described a case where a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the hand was treated with a combination of interstitial and surface high-dose-rate brachytherapy to preserve hand function.
What They Found
The patient received 4050 cGy in 9 fractions, twice daily, resulting in radiographic and clinical tumour control and retained hand function. However, acute pain requiring a nerve block and late grade 2 skin necrosis, treated with hyperbaric oxygen, were noted.
Canadian Relevance
While the study authors are not explicitly Canadian, the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for radiation-induced skin necrosis, as seen in this case, is a Health Canada-recognised indication.
Study Limitations
As a single case report, this study's findings cannot be broadly applied to other patients without further research involving a larger cohort.