A review of the efficacy and safety of iodine-125 seed implantation for lung cancer treatment

Lung cancer is the second most common, and the deadliest, disease globally. Because it is often diagnosed late, surgical resection is not a viable treatment option for ∼75 % of patients, often resulting in a poor prognosis. Of the available treatments, radioactive iodine-125 (125-I) seed implantation therapy, or brachytherapy, has emerged as a promising option. In this procedure, small radioactive seeds are implanted inside tumor cells to produce sustained effects. Because of the short radial distance of this radiation, 125-I brachytherapy selectively and efficiently kills cancer cells while minimizing injury to adjacent cells. The present review describes the mechanism of 125-I seed implantation in the treatment of lung cancer, its efficacy and safety, and its combination with other therapies. We conclude that radioactive 125-I seed implantation and its use in combination with other therapies are good options for the management of local tumor growth, pain palliation, and improving the life span of patients suffering from lung cancers. This technique can enhance the clinical efficacy of treatment and improve the overall survival of patients with lung cancers. However, standardized dosage regimens and other procedures are still required to achieve treatment homogeneity and provide guidance for the clinical implementation of this technique.