Postoperative Radiotherapy with High Dose Rate Iridium 192 Mould for Prevention of Earlobe Keloids
Ladawan Narkwong MD*, Poth Thirakhupt MD**
Affiliation : * Radiation Oncology Division, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University ** Department of Surgery, BMA Medical Collage and Vajira Hospital
Background : A 50% to 80% recurrence rate of earlobe keloids can occur following a simple excision. Many
modalities, including radiotherapy, have been suggested to reduce the postoperation recurrence.
Objective : The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of postoperative radiotherapy by a high
dose rate Iridium 192 mould in the prevention of earlobe keloids recurrence.
Materials and Methods : Between March 1999 and March 2003, 22 patients with 24 earlobe keloids were
treated by radiotherapy immediately following surgical excision. A dose of 15 Gray in 3 fractions was delivered
at a point placed 5 mm from the axis of the Iridium sources.
Results : From the 22 patients with 24 keloids who were treated, 15 patients with 16 keloids were followed for
a minimum of 6 months. Recurrence occurred in two keloids (12.5%). There were no severe adverse effects.
Conclusion : Postoperative radiotherapy by high dose rate Iridium 192 mould was an effective prevention of
earlobe keloids recurrence. It was well tolerated and did not present any significant side effects.
Keywords : Keloids, Earlobe, High dose rate, Iridium 192, Mould
