Interventional Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy) for the Treatment of the Primary Lesion in Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Oral Vestibule

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral vestibule is associated with significant surgical challenges, often requiring extensive resections with functional and cosmetic sequelae. Interventional radiotherapy (IRT, brachytherapy) may provide a function-preserving alternative. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 12 patients with primary oral vestibule SCC treated between February 2022 and March 2025. Eleven underwent high-dose-rate IRT (HDR-IRT) with curative intent after multidisciplinary tumor board evaluation. Clinical outcomes, toxicity, and functional preservation were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 11 patients treated with HDR-IRT, ten achieved a complete response. At a mean follow-up of 20 months, nine were alive and disease-free. Two-year disease-specific survival and overall survival were 86% and 78%, respectively. Acute toxicity was limited to grade II mucositis, and long-term sequelae were minimal, with only mild skin dyschromia. No patient developed trismus or Stensen's duct dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Exclusive HDR-IRT appears to be a safe, effective, and organ-preserving therapeutic option for selected oral vestibule SCCs; however, further studies in larger cohorts are needed to validate our findings.