Treatment of periocular and non-ocular sarcoids in 18 horses by interstitial brachytherapy with iridium-192.
Authors: Byam-Cook K L, Henson F M D, Slater J D
Journal: The Veterinary record
Summary
# Interstitial Brachytherapy for Equine Sarcoids: A 2006 Review Equine sarcoids remain notoriously difficult to treat, with conventional therapies producing inconsistent outcomes, prompting investigation into alternative approaches such as radiation-based interventions. Byam-Cook and colleagues retrospectively evaluated iridium-192 interstitial brachytherapy in 18 horses bearing either periocular (n=8) or non-ocular (n=15) sarcoids, assessing treatment success rates across both anatomical locations. Complete resolution occurred in all eight periocular cases and 13 of 15 non-ocular sarcoids, representing a 94.4% overall success rate. Given the challenging recurrence patterns typical of equine sarcoid management, these findings suggest interstitial brachytherapy offers a compelling alternative for cases refractory to standard treatment modalities, particularly where periocular involvement complicates surgical approaches. The technique's efficacy in achieving tumour control without the complications associated with external beam radiotherapy warrants consideration when conventional therapies have failed or anatomical constraints limit conventional intervention.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Iridium-192 interstitial brachytherapy is a highly effective treatment option for equine sarcoids, particularly periocular lesions that are difficult to treat surgically
- •Success rates exceed 86% for both periocular and non-ocular sarcoids, making this a viable alternative to traditional methods
- •This technique should be considered as part of the treatment armamentarium for horses with sarcoids, especially when conventional approaches have failed or are contraindicated
Key Findings
- •All 8 periocular sarcoids were successfully treated with iridium-192 interstitial brachytherapy
- •13 of 15 non-ocular sarcoids were successfully treated, representing an 86.7% success rate for non-ocular lesions
- •Overall success rate across all sarcoids was 21 of 23 lesions (91.3%)
- •Iridium-192 brachytherapy demonstrates efficacy as an alternative treatment method for equine sarcoids with high success rates