HEMANGIOMAS OF INFANCY - RESULTS OF Y-90 INTERSTITIAL THERAPY - RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

The results of therapy have been analyzed in 99 infants with rapidly progressive hemangiomas, who were treated with interstitial beta radiation, using 90Y needles. Seventy two per cent of the treated lesions regressed completely, and 94% achieved a good or average cosmetic result when evaluated two years or more following treatment. Complications possibly related to the therapy occurred in only 4 of 123 interstitial implant procedures (3%). There has been no occurrence of radiation-induced neoplasm. Beta interstitial therapy is effective in initiating regression of large progressive infantile hemangiomas, providing excellent cosmetic results and an acceptably low complication rate. Such therapy may be useful in selected patients in whom large or rapidly progressive lesions are located in critical sites and cause functional problems. © 1979.