Recently, the expert team of Ward One in the Radiotherapy Department of Hainan Cancer Hospital successfully implemented interstitial brachytherapy combined with immunotherapy for a nasopharyngeal cancer patient with neck larger than his head, achieving rapid control of the tumor.
Self-Medication Leads to Rapid Deterioration of Condition
Mr. Wang, a 50-year-old man from Wenchang, Hainan, was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer two years ago. He self-administered some traditional Chinese herbal medicine at home for treatment. By last May or June, his condition rapidly worsened. After undergoing conventional treatment at another hospital, the tumor continued to worsen, and his neck rapidly thickened due to tumor invasion.
While the average neck circumference for a normal person is about 35-38 centimeters, Mr. Wang’s neck circumference exceeded 60 centimeters, larger than his head. The tumor blocked the throat area, compressing the laryngeal cavity, and at one point, he was unable to breathe.
In November last year, with no other options, Mr. Wang was transferred to Ward One of the Radiotherapy Department at Hainan Cancer Hospital to seek radiotherapy treatment.
After carefully studying Mr. Wang’s condition, the expert team, including Director Wang Weifeng and Deputy Chief Physician Wu Daping, found that due to the previous non-standard treatment, the tumor had developed drug resistance, rendering conventional drug therapy almost ineffective. Moreover, the tumors on both sides of Mr. Wang’s neck were over 10 centimeters in size. Conventional external beam radiotherapy would have difficulty reaching the interior of the tumor. Especially considering the rich blood vessels and nerves in the neck area, conventional high-dose irradiation could damage normal tissues, leading to necrosis of blood vessels, nerves, and other normal tissues, causing treatment-related harm.
Interstitial Brachytherapy Implements “Targeted Detonation” on Tumors
Taking into account the patient’s special condition, the expert team carefully studied and formulated a combined treatment plan of “interstitial brachytherapy + conventional external beam radiotherapy + immunotherapy” for Mr. Wang.
Wang Weifeng explained that interstitial brachytherapy involves directly inserting specially designed implantation needles into the tumor and using a high dose to implement “targeted detonation” on the tumor.
Implantation Radiotherapy Has Five Major Advantages
1. Precision - It acts directly on the interior of the tumor, delivering a precise blow to cancer cells.
2. Safety - It causes minimal damage to normal tissues.
3. High Dose - It can efficiently kill tumors.
4. Speed - It can quickly control the development of tumors.
5. Short Treatment Time - It saves about two-thirds of the time compared to conventional treatment, thus also reducing treatment costs.
After receiving three implantation radiotherapies on each side of his neck, totaling six sessions, Mr. Wang’s tumor was quickly controlled, and his neck gradually shrank. To consolidate the treatment, he subsequently underwent conventional external beam radiotherapy and immunotherapy.
Experts explained that under the precise strike of implantation radiotherapy, the tumor rapidly necroses, releasing a large amount of tumor antigens, which enhances the efficacy of immunotherapy. The combined treatment achieves a therapeutic goal greater than the sum of its parts.
Comparison of Neck Conditions Before and After Interstitial Brachytherapy
After two cycles of treatment, Mr. Wang’s neck returned to a normal state, and his various physical indicators gradually returned to normal.
Director Wang Weifeng (second from right) and the medical team visit the patient.
Expert Reminder
With the development of medical technology, the cure rate of nasopharyngeal cancer, especially the five-year survival rate, is relatively high, making it one of the more controllable cancers. However, early detection and treatment are crucial, especially at professional medical institutions for standardized treatment.
Wu Daping introduced that implantation radiotherapy technology is almost applicable to all solid tumors. At present, the radiotherapy department of the hospital has carried out implantation radiotherapy for various solid tumors such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, and mediastinal tumors, with patients widely benefiting.
Expert Introduction
Wang Weifeng
Deputy Director of Radiotherapy Ward One (in charge of work)
Medical Expertise
Doctor Wang Weifeng specializes in precise radiotherapy for head and neck malignant tumors and stereotactic radiotherapy for solid organ tumors. He has profound expertise in nasopharyngeal cancer and head and neck cancers. The overall survival period of nasopharyngeal cancer patients treated by his team is almost on par with the survival data of top radiotherapy centers in the country. He is skilled in formulating and managing the entire treatment process for comprehensive treatment plans of head and neck cancers; he is also adept at formulating and planning comprehensive treatment strategies for chest and digestive system tumors, as well as formulating comprehensive treatment plans for various malignant tumors.
Clinic Hours
Every Wednesday morning
Expert Introduction
Wu Daping
Deputy Chief Physician of Radiotherapy Ward One
Medical Expertise
Doctor Wu Daping specializes in the comprehensive treatment of radiotherapy and chemotherapy for gynecological tumors, head and neck malignant tumors, and digestive tract tumors. He has profound expertise in radiotherapy for gynecological malignant tumors, nasopharyngeal cancer, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, rectal cancer, and other malignant tumors, as well as internal irradiation treatment for gynecological tumors. He is also skilled in clinical operations such as percutaneous biopsy of solid organ tumors and implantation of port-a-caths.
Clinic Hours
Every Tuesday and Friday afternoon
Text and Photos by | Liang Shan
Editor | Chen Lin