PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - M R Kramer
AU  - A Katz
AU  - A Yarmolovsky
AU  - D Schifter
AU  - E Fenig
TI  - Successful use of high dose rate brachytherapy for non-malignant bronchial obstruction
AID  - 10.1136/thorax.56.5.415
DP  - 2001 May 01
TA  - Thorax
PG  - 415--416
VI  - 56
IP  - 5
4099  - http://thorax.bmj.com/content/56/5/415.short
4100  - http://thorax.bmj.com/content/56/5/415.full
SO  - Thorax2001 May 01; 56
AB  - High dose rate (HDR) endobronchial brachytherapy is a palliative treatment for symptomatic airway obstruction by malignant tumours. We report a novel use of HDR brachytherapy for treating non-malignant bronchial obstruction. The patient had a metal stent placed in a reconstructed airway after a bronchial tear to ensure patency. Granulation tissue formation in and around the stent caused symptomatic occlusion of the airway, necessitating multiple laser applications. A single treatment of HDR brachytherapy (1000 cGy) was delivered following laser therapy. The patient remains well 15 months after treatment with no evidence of recurrent granulation tissue formation on bronchoscopy. HDR brachytherapy is an effective treatment for non-malignant airway obstruction.