High Dose Rate Brachytherapy for Treatment of Keloids

The keloid was excised extralesionally and subsequently a metal tipped Varisource catheter was positioned between the dermal edges of the wound, 5 mm below the surface of the skin and extending out of the skin beyond the wound. Primary wound closure was performed and patients were transferred to the radiation department, where the catheter was connected to the Iridium-192 remote control afterloader. The planning target volume was defined as a cylinder along the axis of the scar, with a central diameter of 5mm. Patients received 2 fractions of HighDoseRate brachytherapy. Within 4 hours after the resection, the first brachytherapy fraction of 6 Gy at 5mm of the source axis was given. Within 24 hours after the first fraction a second fraction of 6Gy was administered to a total dose of 12Gy in 2 days. After the second fraction the catheter was gently removed.